Holwell’s renaissance continues with victory at home to Holbrook.

Match Report 20/02/18

Holwell Sports FC 2 - 1 Holbrook Sports FC

This re-arranged tie, having been postponed four times previously was switched from Holbrook to Welby Road by the East Midlands Counties League.

From the start Holwell looked in control as they played some good football in the opening period with Cowling going close within a minute of the start.

Holbrook took time to get going but had a good chance to open the scoring through Hallsworth in the fifteenth minute.

But Holwell were spreading the ball about well with Chapman seeing plenty of the ball on the left sending in quality crosses. It was from another peach of a cross that Holwell took the lead on 18mins as Kyle Reek rushed in at the back post to fire home a strong volley and set the home side on their way.

The first half belonged to Holwell as they continued to put pressure on the Holbrook defence with O’Grady and Stevenson controlling midfield and the very industrious Liam Ambrose, causing problems every time he got the ball. Holding up play well, seeking out the other forwards, running the forward line well. His work rate was good and on 37mins he did well to play in Stevenson who passed to Cowling but his shot was just past the post.

Unfortunately for Holwell though they lost the influential Chapman to injury five minutes later replaced by Shaun Smith.

The home side looked good for their lead at half time but needed another goal to make things a bit more comfortable.

The second half started as the first with Holwell close to scoring within a minute of the restart.

However Holbrook were not out of this and started to get themselves back into the match with winger Szondi seeing more of the ball on the right.

Holbrook were beginning to pile on the pressure when Szondi caused panic in the home defence as his cross came down on top of the bar and over – somewhat of a let off for Holwell.

The home side were living on the edge now as Holbrook continued to press but the defence and in particular keeper Witham with two or three great saves, did well to keep the home side in front.

It did seem as though only time would tell for the visitors to draw level and on 77minutes Szondi beat the offside trap to find himself in acres of space in the Holwell half he did well to control the ball then hold off Jamie Witham to get off a shot which crept into the net to level the score.

Holwell mustered again to regain control with Ambrose still looking the most dangerous forward on the park and his hard work was rewarded in the 87th minute when he burst into the box from the left only to be brought down.

Referee Donaghey pointed to the spot and Ben Betteridge stepped up to slam the ball past keeper Gilbert to make the score two, one.

The home side held on to secure another good home win following Saturday’s success against Borrowash to proceed to the next round.

Holwell are away to Stapenhill in the League on Saturday and hope to continue their renewed vain of form.

Holwell:- Witham, Hazeldine, Bitmead, Woodcock, Betteridge, Reek, O’Grady(Andrews), Stevenson, Chapman(S Smith), Cowling, Ambrose. Not Used; Walker, Cragg, Harris