FOOTBALL: Wick's FA Cup dreams end early

The extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup is the first step on the long road to Wembley and, although the 750 on offer to the winner of each tie is loose change to the likes of Frank Lampard, it can provide important finance for non-league sides, as well as the chance of a bit of glory.

Therefore, it was a double disappointment for Wick that they bowed out at the first hurdle at home to their visitors from the Combined Counties League. Molesey had been relegated from Ryman League Division 1 South last season and had been soundly beaten at Arundel in a pre-season friendly. On paper, it seemed Wick would have every chance of progress but by the end they had been comprehensively defeated.

The opening period had been fairly even with chances scarce. Molesey's goal in the 14th minute came out of the blue. There seemed little danger when forward Matt Baxter received the ball some 25 yards out, but his quick turn and snap shot whistled past Ben O'Connor in the home goal. Wick tried to respond to the setback but could not fashion any clear openings.

Being one behind at the break meant the next goal was crucial and Wick started the second half more purposefully. They finally worked Molesey keeper Matt Nash when he turned aside Josh Sutcliffe's piledriver in the 53rd minute.

Wick could not build any momentum, though, and the warning signs were clear when O'Connor saved well from Lewis Ackerman, who had got easily past a square home defence on the hour.

Wick were not off the hook for long, as in the 66th minute Ackerman again found acres of space in the centre and this time made no mistake.

It was game, set and match in the 69th minute when a ball down the right channel again freed Ackerman, who calmly rounded O'Connor and rolled the ball home. With the game in the bag, Molesey calmly played out time with hopes of FA Cup glory alive.

Wick assistant manager Vic Short was naturally disappointed: "We thought it was a good draw playing at home, but we started the game poorly and didn't play with any confidence. Baxter was a classy forward, who made a big difference."

WICK: O'Connor; Torode, Saunders, Curnow, Sutcliffe; N.Murfin, Barnard, Pearce, Turner, Hudson; S.Murfin. Subs. Scerri (Hudson 37), West, McCoy (Saunders, Turner 70), Bricknell, McCallum, Case.

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