A grey and windless sky hung over the dykes and channels of the fens. Out of this gloom emerged a Wisbech 3 team on the back of five straight defeats and placed just below South 5s in the league. South 5s meanwhile had reason for optimism following solid wins over Ely and Kettering.

The match started with decisive passing from South leading to some early attacks. After 10 minutes Wisbech picked themselves up and began pressing. The game became a scrappy midfield battle with Wisbech showing more determination in tackles and controlling the lion’s share of possession. Wisbech’s attacking threat resulted in a short corner, which was struck into the back of the goal; however it was ruled out as the hit was too high. The few balls pinged by South towards the opposition goal were chased by Rob and Nev, but to no avail.

The game jolted suddenly into life in the final five minutes of the first half. After an interception by Ahmed, the ball was fed to Jordan in the D who smashed it into the back of the net. South’s lead was almost doubled seconds later by a cross whipped by Henry across the face of the goal that was begging for a touch. At the other end, a short corner by Wisbech resulted in a misguided clearance by Jan which redirected the ball towards the South goal. Despite the valiant efforts of Dave to clear, the ball entered our goal. Another short corner by Wisbech was struck into the back of the net; the ball had not exited the D and so the effort was again ruled out. At the half time break 1-1 seemed a fair scoreline.

After empassioned speeches at half time the 5s came out rejuvenated. During the second half the defence repelled repeated attacks by the energetic Wisbech forwards. South were more successful in keeping the ball, with Henry, Josh and Vincent especially working tirelessly in midfield to retain possession and create chances. An attack found its way to Rob who showcased his famous tomahawk, alas, straight at the keeper. Around 60 minutes in, the efforts by South paid off with a triangle of short passes in the opposition D finding their way to Rob who finished the slick team move smartly.

Wisbech pushed back and attempted several counters, but the forwards had their attacks snuffed out by solid defending from Jan, Alec, Alan and Roland. Five minutes from the end, Roland was green carded for a robust interception that was later compared to a Rugby Union tackle. South faced the final moments of the game a man down, but the defence held firm. In a tight game of few chances, South kept their nerve to walk away with another valuable 3 points.