Baldwin takes positives despite defeat for Wick

Max Hollobone got the only goal 20 minutes from time to ensure Eastbourne United ran out 1-0 victors in the Southern Combination League Premier Division encounter.

The loss leaves Baldwin searching for his first win as manager after taking over from Jon Tucker earlier this month. The new Wick boss got his reign going with a draw, before Saturday’s defeat to United.

Despite coming away with just a one-point haul so far, Baldwin believes signs of improvement are there to be seen.

He said: “We matched Eastbourne United on Saturday and were unlucky not to come away with anything.

“We had a few chances and on another day could well have taken something from the game.

“There were so many positive signs for me and if we can produce that level of performance, I’m sure things will start to turn around.

“We’ve been on a tricky run and when you are down at the bottom things don’t tend to go for you.

“We’ll just keep working hard and I’m sure that one result is just around the corner and we’ll turn it around.”

Rob Wimble unleashed a thunderous strike on the half-hour but United goalkeeper Philip Hawkins was equal to his effort.

In an even first half, Wick stopper Jordan Matthews was also forced into a couple of saves.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Hollobone fired home the winner.

Wick stuck to their task and so nearly grabbed a leveller four minutes into stoppage-time.

Winger Rob Hutchings went clean through, only to slice his effort wide as Wick fell to defeat.

Baldwin has his first away game since taking full charge with a trip to Crawley Down Gatwick on Saturday.

Wick have only collected two league victories in ten matches so far but Baldwin believes Saturday’s trip to Down provides them with an opportunity to make it three.

He added: “We’ll go into that game looking to win and it’s a massive match for us.

“Crawley Down are just two places above us in the table, so it’s one we feel we can take something from.

“At the bottom of this league, it’s so close and a couple of victories in quick succession can move you up the table.

“They (Crawley Down) got a really good result at Chichester City last time out but we know if we play how we did in our last game we’ll have a chance.

“I think as soon as we get that one positive result others will follow, it is just a case of us getting that win and seeing where it takes us in the coming games.”

WICK: Jordan Matthews; Weir, Bradshaw, Playle-Howard, Williamson; Chick, Martin, Ediker, Hutchings; Wimble, Harper. Subs: Madden (Martin), Dunlop, Eyres, Roberts, Hallett.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonGazette

3) Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.