New signing Dean inspires derby win for Wisbech
Wisbech Town 3, Spalding United 0
BetVictor Northern Premier League south east division
A superb display from new signing John Dean inspired the Fenmen to only their third league win of the season this afternoon.
Dean scored one, assisted in another and made one for two-goal man Tiago Nassunculo and was a thorn in Spalding's side all afternoon with his electrifying pace down the left wing.
And the rest of the team also excelled as they claimed their first win in 13 attempts and managed their first league clean sheet of the season. The victory sees them move out of the division's only relegation place.
On a heavy pitch and in constant drizzle, interim manager Kev Ward's men put in a determined, hard working performance. Beckham Kennelly and captain Sam Spencer were commanding at the back, wide midfielder Danny Draper was always looking to get involved and midfielder Jon Kaye seemingly covered every blade of grass as the home team's desire was simply too much for their mid-table opponents.
Wisbech started the game on the front foot and went close when a stinging shot by Danny Draper was palmed away low by Michael Duggan after seven minutes. The Spalding stopper again had to be at his best to deny Dean's rasping effort after 28 minutes.
But four minutes later it was the Tulips who threatened when James Hugo's intelligent pass into the box was lifted over the bar but also over Wisbech keeper Sam Wilson by visiting captain Lewis Brownhill.
After 37 minutes, the busy Nassunculo had his first sniff of a goal after being played through by Draper, but blasted his effort over.
Then came two goals in as many minutes. First, Dean put right back Aaron Hart clear and he ran down the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross for Nassunculo to tuck home in the 44th minute. Then, with Spalding piling forward in search of an injury time equaliser, they were caught on the break and Nassunculo set up Dean to slot home.
It should have been three 11 minutes into the second period, but Nassunculo's stooping header from a great Dean run and cross just evaded the post. And, as the home side bossed the game, Kaye fired over from close range in the 79th minute after a free kick from substitute Danny Setchell came back off the wall.
But in the 83rd minute it was all over as a great ball by Setchell found Dean, who skinned has man and put the ball on a plate for Nassunculo to sweep home his second.
Wisbech: Wilson, Hart, Marshall, Kaye, Spencer, Kennelly, Draper (Dougill 86 mins), Maddison (Whyatt 76), Nassunculo, Lee (Setchell 69), Dean. Subs (not used): Gale.
Spalding: Duggan, Betts, Hugo, Bucci, Greenwood, Spencer, Burrell, Everington, Joel Brownhill (Richards 19 mins), Lewis Brownhill, Floyd. Subs (not used): Ramsden, Mason, Smith.
Goals: Wisbech – Nassunculo 44 mins, Dean 45 mins, Nassunculo 83 mins.
Booked: Wisbech – Mason Lee (foul, 66 mins), Liam Marshall (time wasting, 82 mins), Danny Setchell (unsporting behaviour, 90 mins); Spalding – Gianluca Bucci (unsporting behavour, 90 mins).
Star man: John Dean – Scored one, made one and caused panic in Spalding's defence all afternoon.
Attendance: 207.
Previously...
