WISBECH TOWN manager Steve Appleby hopes that last night’s 2-1 defeat against Haverhill Rovers, their first of the season, will act as “a wake-up call” to his players.

Appleby has been less than impressed with recent performances even though his side had gone five matches unbeaten and admitted last night’s defeat had been coming.

He said: “I think we have got away with a few results and hope our first defeat acts as a wake-up call.

“Performances had started to slide a bit despite our attempts to address things and now I want a reaction. It was a poor display but on another day we might have got a draw.”

Scott Carter grabbed his first goal of the season but it was not enough to stop Wisbech, who had Simon Flanz sent-off, from losing their unbeaten streak.

Appleby’s men travel to Radcliffe Olympic on Saturday for their FA Cup Preliminary Round encounter. The Nottinghamshire club play in the same league as St Andrews who the Fenmen thumped 5-0 in the last round.

“We get the chance to bounce back quickly on Saturday which is ideal and would love a good cup run,” said Appleby.