Wick aim to bounce back at Billingshurst after loss to Bexhill

The Dragons started their campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Bexhill United in front of a decent crowd at Crabtree Park on Saturday.

They created the better early chances but were punished for failing to take them when Evan Armstrong struck twice before the break.

Dan Simmonds thought he had reduced the arrears just after the restart but his effort was controversially ruled out for offside.

Wick continued to press forward but were caught on the break when James McLean added a decisive third for a team who will be pushing for promotion this season.

‘We could have taken the lead and we though Dan’s goal was a good one but we weren’t as sharp as we were in our fine ore-season win against Newhaven,’ said joint manager Tom Simmonds.

‘We are fortunate we don’t have to wait too long to play again so we can shake of what was perhaps a touch of complacency and go again.

‘It won’t be easy at Billingshurst as they enjoyed a good result with a point from the 4-4 draw at Shoreham so we are expecting a tough game.’

Wick could have done with the finishing skills of club record scorer and former manager John Suter (pictured) who was a guest at the game.

He scored more than 500 times for the club and said: ‘I loved playing for Wick and scoring goals. I have so many wonderful memories of my time at Crabtree Park.’