Holwell knock out holders!

Captain's MOM performance by Dom Hallows

From the start it was Holwell that looked up for this unwanted midweek winter fixture and set about Ibstock from the off with quick return after only 5mins when Scott Mooney was put through to beat a defender before passing to Jay Kirkby who opened the scoring with a calmly slotted goal.

Holwell were buzzing and all over Ibstock winning corner after corner in a frantic spell which Ibstock did well to defend against but it was only a matter of time before a second was added to the home sides score and on 20mins with pressure building Ben Smedley sent in a cross to the back post where Kirkby rose to beat the keeper to put Holwell two up.

It was only after this that Ibstock seemed to get involved and they had their first real attack and corner in the 30th minute. This lift in play only lasted about ten minutes and on 40mins Holwell were again back on top with Foster breaking into the box to power a strong shot at goal which Taylor did well to save.

Holwell were now fully back in control and just on half time Scott Mooney put the game beyond Ibstock by latching on to a defensive mistake on the edge of the box before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into the net.

The second half started as it finished with Holwell on top and playing some slick football with a sweeping move from the Holwell byeline to opponents box involving Liam Chapman, Graham Keast, Ben Smedley and Scott Mooney saw Mooney come very close to scoring when his shot hit the side netting.

It was now a case of could Holwell keep the clean sheet they deserved and although Ibstock had some good chances in the second half they were no match for a defence well marshalled by captain Dom Hallows who had a Man of the Match assured display in the centre of defence coping with everything Ibstock had to offer.

Holwell continued to play good passing football and could have gone four up when the ball broke to Hibbitt on the edge of the box and his thunderous shot crashed against the bar.

Ibstock had one last push in the last ten minutes but could not breakdown Holwell who can use this game as good preparation for Saturday’s league match away to Basford.

On this and Saturday’s performances should not fear playing the more fancied Notts side.