Holwell Beaten By Leaders

Holwell were always going to be in for a tough day away at Bardon Hill as they currently sit firmly in the drivers seat to win the EMCL this season. Holwell were looking to avenge the 2-3 defeat suffered at Welby Road in early November but unfortunately after a very bright opening couldn't stop the Bardon goal-scoring juggernaut.

After last weekends victory at Ashby, Daws was forced into making a few changes. In came Wells and Barnard in place of Calver (work) and the suspended Hibbitt.

On a sticky, bobbly surface Holwell started well and could off took the lead early on, but Wells couldnt direct a Stannard cross back towards goal.

Bardon were struggling to settle as they looked a little nervous knowing they needed to win to keep up their pursuit of the title. These nerves were tested once more as Hallam broke forward, he managed to poke the ball over the on rushing Gutteridge from the Bardon goal, but just as he went to slot the ball home lost his footing which allowed Gutteridge time to get back and stop the ball on the line.

Holwell pressed once more this time Mooney calling Gutteridge into action after a Wells cross.

Bardons nerves however were settled in the 25th minute is slightly fortuitous circumstances. Bardon breaking from a Holwell corner carved Holwell open but Hart finished well, but it did appear earlier in the move he handled the ball in keeping control of it. Despite the protest the goal stood and Bardon took an undeserved lead.

The goal however settled Bardon and they then began to show much more and create opportunities. They themselves feeling slightly aggrieved not to have a penalty this time when firstly a handball claim was rejected but then moments later when they felt one of their players was fouled by keeper Stainsby.

At half time a frustrated Holwell left the pitch knowing they had more than matched their counterparts but a failure to take chances was currently costing them. With both sides looking to attack a second goal looked inevitable in the second half and would be crucial either way.

Bardon started the second half in dominate fashion managing to pen Holwell deep in their own half as they looked for the second goal. Despite their dominance of possession Bardon were struggling to create a clear cut chance with Stainsby only called into action on a couple off occasions as Ridout and Parra-Watson repelled their attacks.

Holwell were struggling to gain any momentum and only ever really looked threatening now from set pieces as the Bardon defence closed ranks.

Bardon did manage to break down a stubborn Holwell back line with 15 minutes remaining again in slightly fortunate circumstances when of scuffed shot on goal deflected past the helpless Stainsby.

Bardon added some gloss to the result in the last five minutes when firstly Chaplin seized on a Ridout slip to prod home and the Hart got his second after a cross eluded everybody to find him at the back post.

4-0 was harsh on Holwell but Bardon were clinical in front of goal when given the opportunity. Had Holwell off scored when enjoying the better of the play in first half it could of been a different story.

Holwell are back in action at Welby Road on Tuesday against Radcliffe Olympic who all but ended any hopes Blaby had off winning the title winning 2-1 at Warwick road on Saturday.