Wick extend winning run

Five first-half goals proved quite a spectacle, as Wick found themselves 3-1 up within 15 minutes, through George Gaskin (two) and Seb Baggura. And, although Peacehaven pulled one back before the break, Wick saw out the second half to set up a clash with St Francis Rangers.

Wick boss Gary Block was pleased with the result, despite admitting he had no real interest in the competition, but he revealed a new-found buzz at the club.

He said: “It was a good win for us and was probably deserved on the balance of things. The first half we were tremendous, and then it was a battling performance after the break. It was a real competitive game for both teams and our work rate was fantastic.

“The whole scenario has changed now, we have three good strikers, Dave Berkowitz in as a coach, and a physio as well, so there are more hands on board.

“We have scored 12 goals in our last three, before that we hadn’t had many more than that all season. There is a confidence now that the strikers can finish off the good football we play.”

On the cup, he added:“It is still the smallest cup and least important, but it keeps your season alive and a cup run is always nice, although our priority is the league still.”

Gaskin fired Wick ahead after just two minutes from a good move between Scott Dormer and Baggura, but Peacehaven were level just four minutes later.

Gaskin then beat two defenders to fire in a second on 11 minutes, while Baggura soon got the third. Just before the break, Rob O’Toole pulled one back when Wick failed to clear a corner, but neither side found the net after half-time.

WICK: Kason; Urquhart, Bonniface, Brad-shaw, French; Brown, Wilkins, Baggura, Dormer; Gaskin, Forden. Subs: Wriggley (Dormer 55), Towers (Forden 65), Hotson (Baggura 80).

On Saturday, Wick won 4-3 at home to Hailsham in County League Division 1.

Tristan Jarvis headed Hailsham ahead on 21 minutes, and that was the way it stayed until Michael Asare levelled for Wick shortly after half-time. Ashley Jarvis restored Hailsham’s lead almost instantly, only for Lee Bradshaw to score on 69 and 74 minutes to put Wick 3-2 ahead.

Jarvis brought Hailsham level with his second two minutes later but, with time running out, Wick’s Andy Brown’s cross picked out George Gaskin, who volleyed home at the near post to land the decisive blow in the first minute of injury-time with his fifth goal since returning to the club from Pagham.

Wick manager Gary Block said: “We defended poorly, although while we’re winning it doesn’t matter so much.

“As soon as we scored, they would hit back almost straight away, which was frustrating and disappointing.

“But we’re climbing up the table and the arrival of Rob (Wimble) and George (Gaskin) has given the whole club a lift. It was a pleasing result and we’re going okay.”

Wick have their return league match with Hailsham on Saturday, before they host Ryman League Division 1 South Worthing in the Sussex Senior Cup on Tuesday.

WICK: Kason; Urquhart, Bradshaw, Bonniface, French; Asare, Bagura, Wilkins, Brown; Wimble, Gaskin. Subs: D.Towers (Bagura 68), Forden, Peach, Turney, Dormer.