On Saturday Wisbech left the sunshine of PE14 behind for the cloudy Norfolk coastline and the 160-mile round trip to the historic home of Great Yarmouth Town. In the shadow of the Victorian railway stand and surrounded by Edwardian manor houses stripped of their former glory, the Fenmen slipped behind in the first minute with what could be politely described as a good old-fashioned ‘mix up at the back’. A makeshift Town team missing a few and with only two on the bench would have hoped for a better start but this is what friendlies are for after all.

Around 20 minutes in another attack from the fluid forward line of the Greens led to a poorly-timed tackle and penalty which was coolly converted by the tenant hosts. A third penalty followed shortly after but this was more tamely struck and was easily saved by Aaron Watson. Much to the shock of the travelling faithful half time saw the traditional burger replaced with sausage rolls and not a piece of batter in sight or indeed on site. However, as it turns out the sausage rolls and the cheerful service was much appreciated by those who had ventured along the A47, which makes up the vast majority of the journey from Wisbech and indeed Peterborough.

Not even the arrival of ‘H’ - Helkias Acheampong - in the second half could bring Wisbech a goal, although the men in Red looked much more lively in the second half. Pressure on the goal saw a few opportunities whistle wide but in truth with 10 to go the game had largely run out of steam and was, as expected at this time of year, more of a fitness test for both sides.

Many thanks to Gorleston for their hospitality. We hope that they get a new permanent home of their own soon and - as much as we love Yarmouth - we really look forward to playing you back in Gorleston soon. Good luck to the Green Army and their hardcore support for the season. For Town our first defeat of pre-season but a good run-out with a somewhat limited squad, and in other news I won a garden gnome at the prize bingo on the front so it wasn’t a completely wasted journey. Of course he is in green as a nod to our hosts today.

Report by David B