March Town romp through in Vase, but Wisbech Town exit on penalties, while Parson Drove enjoy good away win

It was FA Vase First Qualifying Round day today for both March Town and Wisbech Town, while Parson Drove were in league action.

Step 5 March romped through to the next round with a 5-2 home win over Step 6 outfit Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers of the Thurlow Nunn First Division North, while Wisbech crashed out on penalties at fellow Step 5 outfit Hareston Town, of the Thurlow Nunn Premier.

Drove enjoyed an encouraging win at Leiston U23 in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North to make it two away wins from two this season, after three home league defeats.

March took an eighth-minute lead against their Norwich-based opponents with Matty Foy’s first goal of the season. The Hares included former player Flo Tsaguim in their starting line-up after spells at Wisbech St Mary, Wisbech Town, King’s Lynn Town and Royston Town.

Craig Gillies scored the second goal for the home side in the 37th minute, his third of the campaign so far. Rovers pulled one back early in the second half but a second for Gillies made it 3-1 on the hour before he completed his hat-trick four minutes later. He was then subbed for Joe Rider.

Tsaguim scored Hares’ fifth before Rovers pulled another one back.

A much-changed Wisbech side travelled to play Harleston, new manager Luke Hipwell naming four of his new signings (see below) in the starting line-up in South Norfolk.

The home side created some good early chances but the visitors grew into the match as the half progressed and the score was goalless at the break.

More chances came and went for both sides after the break and the score ended 0-0 in normal time, the match going to penalties. Wisbech scored their first three spot kicks to lead 3-1 but missed their final two and lost 4-3 on penalties.

Parson Drove, who appointed a new chairman before the game (see below) travelled to play Leiston Reserves after losing three of their opening four league games and came away with a great 2-1 win at one of the early pacesetters, Corey Kingston and Tyran Stewart on target.

March are back in United Counties Premier South action on Monday when they visit Newport Pagnell Town before entertaining Hinckley next Saturday.

Wisbech travel to play Sleaford Town in the United Counties Premier North on Wednesday before entertaining Hucknall Town on Saturday.

Parson Drove travel to play FC Peterborough on Wednesday and host Haverhill Rovers next Saturday.

NEW SIGNINGS FOR FENMEN

Before Saturday’s match, new Wisbech boss Luke Hipwell made five new signings, while two players have left the club.

Former Stamford and Spalding United defender Stacey Freeman and striker Michael Frew have rejoined the club, while ex-March Town forward Stefano Cavozzi and former Deeping Rangers attacker Elliot Foster also join, alongside former Holbeach United utility player Sam Harris.

Leaving the club are defender Matt Carter and midfielder Jake Gadsden.

Hipwell said: “Stacey is a back-to-back Step 4 winner, with vast experience of playing at that level and above. A leader on the pitch who will bring great experience to the group.

“Michael returns to Fountain Fresh Park as part of a dual registration with our friends Stamford AFC. He brings a wealth of experience, quality and professionalism.

“Stef is an exciting young attacker, an intelligent player who has great variation to his game and will be a thorn in the side of whoever he comes up against.

“Elliot is pacey, tricky and has an eye for goal and will soon become a fans’ favourite, while Sam has previously played at Step 5 for Skegness Town and was most recently at Holbeach United. Sam is a top talent who can play in multiple positions and will play a massive part in the club’s progress.”

BOARDROOM CHANGES AT DROVE

There have also been changes at Parson Drove, but this time off the pitch, where Malcolm Clements has joined the club as chairman with Karen Clements coming in as commercial manager. Club supremo Gary Haime continues as secretary and now also fillis the role of director of football.

Clements, who was in charge of Yaxley FC when they secured Step 4 football for the first time in their history, said: “Gary has been trying to get me to the club for three years and after discussions with him, I felt the time was right to be associated with a local club that has huge potential. I am looking forward to making Drove into a bigger and better club."

Haime added: “I’m delighted to bring Malcolm and Karen on board. The experience, passion and knowledge that they bring is going to be huge for the club and much needed as part of our journey and development.”

Wisbech Town: West, Reed (Wilson 67), Balding (Lines 93), Zaluzinskis, Mattless, Braham, Cavozzi (Allen 67), Harris, Frew, Foster, Ward. Subs (not used): Murkin.

March Town: Gill, Green, Brumby, Burrows (Sharman), Emmington, Biggs (White), Tsaguim, Tait (Pepper), Gillies (Rider), Foy, Williams (Cowie).