NEW Wick Football Club manager Mike Williamson admitted just getting a side out was a major achievement on Saturday and the fact they ran promotion-chasing Dorking Wanderers close may have surprised people even more.
Williamson, who took over last week, had just six players on Thursday night, but managed to assemble a side for their clash on Saturday, in a closer game than the 3-1 scoreline suggests, from a team which had a spectrum of youth and experience.
Players as young as 16 joined the few who remained at the club, along with seasoned County League players, including one who had not played for four years.
However, Wick’s performance was superb and Dorking had to hit two late goals to secure the victory, when Wick had been looking the more likely.
Williamson said: “They hit one of them on the break and then another really late on to make the scoreline suggest it was a lot more comfortable for them.
“Everyone did ever so well considering some of the lads only met each other for the first time in the changing room – it begs the question what they could have done if they had been together all year.
“We were pleased as we were competitive as well and we couldn’t fault anyone for effort, especially as some hadn’t played in the County League before and some had even retired. The fact we pushed a promotion-chasing side says it all.”
Williamson, however, is not getting carried away and added: “The situation is my favourite word, ongoing. Some people didn’t expect us to get a side out, so we surprised a few.
“We need to try to maintain that now and it’s not a foregone conclusion we’ll get a side for our remaining four games.”
Dorking had the lead after 15 minutes when Andy Brown misjudged the ball and it flew off his head into his own net.
Wick hit back, however, just before half-time as Gregg Jordan guided Dan Cox’s deep cross home.
After the break, Wick continued to look bright but Dorking took the lead on 71 minutes when Wick were attacking.
A free kick hit one of the home defenders in the face, was kicked up-field and Tom Mills latched onto the fortunate clearance to finish, while Craig Vernon put an unfair gloss on the scoreline 10 minutes later.
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