Wisbech Town boss Appleby praises side after memorable cup winning season

WISBECH Town brought the curtain down on a memorable season when they clinched their first silverware for 16 years on Monday.

The Fenmen secured a fourth-placed finish in the Ridgeons Premier Division on Saturday as goals from Darren Jimson and Simon Flanz helped Wisbech beat Wivenhoe Town 2-1.

However, it got better for Steve Appleby’s men at Dereham Town’s Aldiss Park ground on Monday as Callum Reed’s first-half penalty helped Wisbech beat Wroxham 1-0 to win the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup Final.

After winning his first trophy as a manager a delighted Appleby said: “We’ve had a great season and winning the cup makes it even better.

“You could see the commitment from the players and how much they wanted it. To be honest I think we rode our luck a little bit in the second half but we stood up man-to-man, dug deep and came out winners.

“It wasn’t a pretty game but my word the lads really put a shift in and it’s fantastic. There’s no doubt about these boys. They’ll always dig deep and they’ve got big hearts.”

Appleby’s side were boosted by the shock return of inspirational captain Paul Cousins who looked destined to miss the game after tearing his groin last month.

The Fenmen boss said: “There’s no decision when it comes to Cousi. If he’s fit, he plays.

“He’s a man’s man, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he was in tears when he thought he was going to miss the final. He’s our leader on the pitch.

“This club means so much to him and local lads like Darren Jimson and Lewis Thompson but all of the players have been excellent.

“The dedication and desire to win the last five games to finish fourth and win today has been magnificent.”