LADIES 1ST XI SECURE CUP WIN

Wisbech Town HC Ladies 1st XI advanced to the second round of the England Hockey Tier 2 KO Championship Cup following a 4-2 win against Sudbury at Harecroft Road on Saturday.

The hosts got off to a flying start when Jane Proctor, returning to the side following a period on the sidelines due to injury, held up the ball under pressure in the Sudbury circle before making a clever underarm pass to Wisbech captain Jo Gomm, who applied the finish to open the scoring after just one minute.

Gomm extended her sides lead six minutes later, rounding the Sudbury keeper to make it 2-0, while Proctor and Emma Baker also had chances for the home side, while Lexie Klibanecz made a series of saves in the Wisbech goal to help keep the visitors at bay, with defenders Sue Robinson and Olivia Jackson helping soak up pressure.

A penalty corner opportunity saw Wisbech move further ahead, with Lilian Ley slotting home at the back post to make it 3-0, before Sudbury pulled a goal back with a smart backhand finish.

JANE PROCTOR IN ACTION AGAINST SUDBURY (PIC: MIKE BENNETT)

Wisbech restored their three-goal lead before the break however, converting another penalty corner opportunity when Izzy Pope’s neat pass across the Sudbury circle found Gomm in space, with the Wisbech captain duly completing her hat trick.

The Fenland side created further opportunities during the second half, with Baker and Pope both going close, but Wisbech were unable to convert. Strong play through the centre of the park limited the visitors opportunities however, with Pope controlling the midfield.

A penalty corner opportunity at the final whistle allowed Sudbury to pull a goal back, but it was little more than a consolation effort as Wisbech secured the victory and advanced to the next round.

League action resumes for all ten Wisbech Town HC teams this coming weekend, with the Men’s 1st XI hosting Norwich City 2nd XI, while the Ladies 1st XI travel to Ipswich 2nd XI.