United record first win in cup triumph

Goals from Matt Noble and Kieron Playle-Howard either side of half-time had given the hosts a 2-0 lead, and, although a left-foot screamer from Town’s Jake Mills had made things nervy for United on 74 minutes, a late Mark Pedrick strike ensured they reached the second round.

It was a competitive match which will bode well for two teams who look set to be in the top half of the table this season. But ultimately Wick’s finishing proved dividends, whereas Town will be left rueing a couple of good chances.

With just two minutes remaining in the first half, the breakthrough came as Nathan Parke drew the challenges and he teed-up Noble, who fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Wick started the second half well and the ball over the top eventually paid off as Playle-Howard latched onto a Pedrick ball coming over his shoulder and fired home on 54 minutes.

After Town weathered an early Wick storm, it was their turn to press. First, Dave Harris was put through one-on-one, but again took one too many touches, before they did pull one back on 74 minutes.

A quick throw-in from the left was shifted across field and Mills fired left-footed across goal into the top corner from outside the area.

This saw a shaky spell from United, with a couple of free kicks given away in dangerous areas, but Town’s finishing lacked and the home side sealed the win with a minute remaining as Parke drove in and laid the ball back for Pedrick to smash home.

Wick manager Jon Tucker said: “It was not the greatest of first halves but we managed to nick one at the end against the run of play. Still, it’s a new side and we know it will take a while to gel.

“Last season those were the games we weren’t taking anything out of and we’re in the next round of the cup, although the league is the priority and there were a few (spectators) in tonight, which is good for the club.”