Late drama as sub Onyon nets added on time winner for 10-men Wisbech Town against Sherwood Colliery

Wisbech Town 1, Sherwood Colliery 0

United Counties League Premier Division North

Ten-man Wisbech snatched all three points with a dramatic winner in the seventh minute of second half added time this afternoon.

Leon Mettam's men (read his post-match interview here) saw keeper Luke Pearson sent off in the 14th minute for bringing down a striker who was through on goal, but were well worth the win against a side six places and 12 points ahead of them before kick-off.

In fact, defender Chris Ward did not have a save to make after donning Pearson's gloves as Wisbech put in their best performance of the season and were afforded a final whistle standing ovation for the second successive home league game.

They were without star loan player Sisa Tutulwana, who has been recalled by Grantham Town, and Kieran Hamilton, who was not included because boss Leon Mettam wrongly believed he was still suspended.

Chris Ward returned to the starting 11 after missing the last league game for a wedding, new signing Max Mattless played in central defence and was immense, while captain Kegan Everington was back after missing a couple of games for personal reasons and probably had his best game in Wisbech colours.

Morgan Penfold, who favours the number 10 position, led the line and ran his socks off all afternoon.

Owen Howard was strong and determined at both right back and after he switched to left back following the sending off, young Archie Wallace was a tower of strength alongside Mattless at the back, George Zeurner was busy, creative and hard working in midfield and Jenk Acar, in a slightly different midfield role, had a superb game.

Wisbech operated a high press – it worked perfectly and is testament to the players' fitness that it continued to work with just nine outfield players.

They started the game well and were in control when The Wood broke in the 14th minute and keeper Pearson was deservedly given a straight red for bringing down a striker who had rounded him and was about to shoot for goal. Central defender Ward, who was filling in at left back, volunteered to take the gloves.

But it was to be a quiet afternoon for Ward, who dealt well with balls into the box and crosses but was not required to make a save.

Indeed, it was the home side who were ruing their luck at half time, Mattless heading narrowly wide in the 26th minute, Penfold skewing just wide after great work from Acar and George Zeurner in the 31st minute, and Mo Janneh heading over from close range seconds later.

Colliery's manager obviously gave his players a roasting at half-time and they came out with more intent, but it was Wisbech who went close again on the hour, former Peterborough United and Barrow player Penfold seeing a shot well saved by visiting keeper Alfie Smith-Eccles.

And in the 70th minute the Fenmen went close again, the hard-working Janneh cutting in from the right and seeing his cross/shot saved, with Amir Ward, who impressed with his strong running all afternoon, waiting to pounce.

With just a minute remaining, Lewis Belgrave of Sherwood received his marching orders after a late tackle, resulting in a melee, but that was not the end of the drama.

With five minutes added on in the first half and already seven in the second, it was the 102nd minute of the match when King's Lynn Town loan player Joao Rangel tore down the right flank and crossed for fellow sub Onyon to chest home from two yards.

The Fenmen easily played out the final 120 seconds and the scenes which followed were similar to those back on July 30, when player/manager Mettam left the bench to score a late winner in the first game of the season against AFC Mansfield.

But the Bulls have slipped to third from bottom and today's win was Wisbech's first against a top 10 side and hopefully could be the springboard for better days.

Wisbech Town: Pearson, Howard, Chris Ward, Wallace, Mattless, Zuerner (Bath 75 mins), Amir Ward, Everington, Janneh (Rangel 81), Penfold (Onyon 87), Acar. Subs (not used): Kacirek, Murkin.

Sherwood Colliery: Smith-Eccles, Lucas-Edge, Starbuck, Freeman, Newby, Robson, Watson (Bacon 79 mins), Belgrave, Theakstone (Smith 82), Norcross (Pinnick 64), Wiesztort (Lathall 80). Sub (not used): Squires.

Bookings: Everington, Mettam, Onyon (Wisbech); Watson, Wiesztort (Sherwood).

Sendings off: Pearson (Wisbech); Belgrave (Sherwood).

Star man: Jenk Acar – many will say the whole team deserve this award, but Acar didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon and was absolutely superb.

Attendance: 129.