Holwell Recover to draw with Barlestone St Giles

Both sides would not have gained much more than a decent run out from this game as skill was not in much evidence.

Both teams started keenly enough with both sides having an opportunity to open the scoring within the first two minutes.

However it was clear Holwell were up against a side that had played well together for some time as they themselves try to rebuild a side still coming to grips with each others runs, play, stengths and weaknesses.

The visitors took the lead on 12mins after a good strike as the home side allowed the strong runners to get behind the defence to score.

Both sides gave as good as each other after this with decent endeavour on both sides, Holwell trying to play through the visitors where as Barlestone wanted to rely on wing play to feed their centre players.

It continued to and fro till 35mins when Liam Chapman picked the ball up on the left, his lofted cross found its way in over the keeper just under the bar to level the score and it stayed 1-1 till the break. A real fluke goal but hey ho?

The second half saw players from both sides wilt under the continuing heat and both sides rotated substitutes to freshen tired legs. However any skill on show was cruelly thwarted by both sides as some ugly late tackles, big egos and poor attitudes started to ruin the match.

Barlestone took the lead again midway through the half and did look the better side but seemed to think the match was won as their play became disjointed.

Holwell were pushed on to chase the game and good play by Orton and O'Grady started to make Holwell look a better side.

It was clear players on either side knew of each others reputations as individual feuds started to ruin the game.

Barlestone seemed more interested in showing their agression to the officials and this allowed Holwell back into the game.

Orton dribbled his way passed four defenders coming very close to the goal before going down too easily. As the referee waved away his protest defenders rounded on the midfielder for going down seemingly looking for a penalty.

The visitors seemed to have lost the intent of the match, when again on 76mins Orton was allowed to carry the ball into the box this time he was fouled and a penalty awarded. Ben Betteridge stepped up leaving the keeper with no chance.

The match ended in a two all draw but not one either side will want to remember as being their best efforts.