A MUCH-ANTICIPATED derby clash went ahead at the third time of asking but it was North 1 leaders Wisbech who got the better of mid-table St Ives at the weekend.

A MUCH-ANTICIPATED derby clash went ahead at the third time of asking but it was North 1 leaders Wisbech who got the better of mid-table St Ives at the weekend.

With the fixture having been postponed twice due to the freezing temperatures at the back end of 2010, both teams were keen to get it on this time around.

And it was St Ives, notorious for travelling badly, who started the game in style and they got their reward inside the first five minutes with the opening goal scored by Abby Holland, after a fluid passage of play.

The visitors, still rebuilding after losing seven first team regulars ahead of the start of the season, tore through Wisbech during the opening exchanges.

They were attacking from their own half, linking defence to midfield, on to the forward line.

But the leaders, having been outplayed without seeing much of the ball during the first half, dug deep and managed to capitalise on a single opportunity in the D to level the scores at half time.

With only 11 players, Ives were always going to be up against it fitness-wise as the match wore on and, against the run of play, Wisbech snuck a second to take the lead.

To their credit, St Ives continued to battle hard and created several opportunities but, with the Wisbech keeper equal to the attack, it was the home team who now looked more likely to score again.

With a sub to rotate, Wisbech were able to find that extra half a yard on the St Ives players and, as the final 10 minutes approached, the home team were able to tuck two further goals away, putting the result beyond doubt.

There were notable performances from midfielder Shelley Read and keeper Tracey Jago, but Ives considered themselves a tad unfortunate to leave empty-handed.

Next up for St Ives is a home fixture against Lincoln at the weekend.

? Elsewhere, St Ives Ladies seconds were in cup action and secured a 3-0 home win over Market Deepings ahead of this weekend’s league trip to Wisbech seconds.

The thirds, meanwhile, are scheduled to be back in action on Saturday for the first time since early December when they host Bourne in the league.