Wick off the mark: Dragons slay Swans

Dan Simmonds gave Wick a huge lift in confidence ahead of Saturday’s FA Vase battle with AFC Croydon Athletic by leading them to their first win of the season.
Wick beat Storrington at the weekendWick beat Storrington at the weekend
Wick beat Storrington at the weekend

The striker pounced twice in non first-half minutes as the ten-man Dragons gained their first Southern Combination League division one points of the campaign.

Wick lost their first two matches against Bexhill United and Billingshurst but showed character in battling against determined Storrington at Crabtree Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Simmonds struck in the tenth and 19th minutes and although Jordan Suter reduced the arrears midway through the opening half, Wick were always the better side.

That remained the case after former Chichester winger George Cody became the second Wick player to be sent off this season when he was given a straight red eight minutes from time.

‘I was really happy with our play, especially in the first half when we could have had three, four or five goals,’ said manager Tom Simmonds.

‘We worked on the first goal in training which is always pleasing and it was fantastic to see him get off the mark with his first goals of the season.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wick had conceded five two goals in their opening reversals but Simmonds added: ‘I don’t think anyone was really opened us up, it’s been more a case that we have been masters of our own downfall.

‘So I was really pleased with our defending, especially in the second half and when we went down to ten men late on.’

Wick are relishing the chance to take on AFC Croydon in the FA Vase first round qualifier and Simmonds said: ‘Croydon are a level above us and have started well but it’s a cup competition and anything can happen. We can’t wait to have a go reaching the next round.’

Related topics: