HONEST Wisbech Town boss Steve Appleby admitted his side were “awful” during their FA Vase First Round win against Walsham-le-Willows on Saturday.

The Fenmen needed extra-time to beat Walsham 3-0 in a dour encounter at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium to book their place in the competition’s second round.

And even though goals from Callum Reed, Ollie Gale and Jon Fairweather secured Wisbech’s win - and �900 - Appleby was far from pleased with his team’s performance.

The Fenmen boss said: “A win’s a win and to be honest the cup is all about getting through to the next round.

“We weren’t great but I think to be fair Walsham tried to come and do a job. They packed men behind the ball and tried to break when they could.

“They had a gameplan, they stuck to it and it became awkward for us. We looked as if we lacked ideas all game. But even though we were awful, we were on top for most of the game - there’s no two ways about that.

“In the end I was just pleased with the lads’ fitness and character to come away 3-0 winners eventually.”

Wisbech were the better side - marginally - for large parts of the first half but lacked tempo in a game that always looked destined for extra-time.

And Appleby admitted he was relieved to see Walsham spurn two fantastic opportunities with the score at 0-0.

He said: “Football has a habit of teams territorially dictating the game and not coming away with anything.

“I had a nasty feeling they were going to snatch it and luckily they didn’t. They had a couple of decent chances at the start of extra time and from there we went up another level.

“We had more urgency, showed better quality and got the three goals. I don’t know if the players were nervous, or underestimated Walsham, or probably just turned up expecting to win - but all three you should never do.

“We were flat all over, we had no tempo and we lacked quality and that was disappointing. However, it’s pleasing that we’ve won without being at our best.

“If you look at the Premier League in years gone by, Arsenal used to win games 1-0 under George Graham when they weren’t playing well.

“In our league, up to now, Wroxham have been grinding out wins and that’s the mark of a good side. We’ve won, kept another clean sheet and that’s positive.”

The Fenmen will know who they face in the next round later today.

? Visit our website later to find out who Wisbech have drawn in the second round.

? Click on the related link to see a match report from Saturday’s game.