Holwell Pegged Back

Holwell made it three unbeaten in the league, and moved themselves unto 5th in the EMCL table in the process after a hard fought battle with Arnold Town. Arnold who have made an indifferent start to the season are yet to win a game but have now drawn 3 out of the their 5 league games.

Daws again had to tinker with his starting line up. Bitmead again unavailable due to work saw Hallam return to the side. Also returning was Marshall and Wells, with Smith and Stannard dropping to the bench.

Holwell made a bright start and Wells worked Cherry in the Arnold goal early on. Arnold however grew into the game with both sides just failing to complete the final piece of many promising moves. Joachim was sent through from Chapman ball and just as he looked certain to score an Arnold defender got a last ditch tackle in.

The next opportunity fell to Harris. A cross from Chapman just eluded Joachim at the front post and Harris instinctive effort unfortunately went wide of the post.

Harris more than made amends right on half time. After linking up with Joachim on the right, Harris slipped in Wells who raced clear and slipped the ball past Cherry in the Arnold goal.

HT 1-0

Holwell had early chances in the second half to put the game to bed and failure to do this inevitably proved costly. Firstly Wells saw his lob not only beat Cherry but also the cross bar after being set through by Chapman, before Joachim again was on the receiving end of a last ditch tackle just as he looked to pull the trigger.

The failure to convert these chances provide costly in the 65th minute, when Payne was allowed to much time to turn and shoot in the box firing his effort into the top corner past the helpless Stainsby.

With momentum now with Arnold, and Holwell looking leggy, Arnold pressed forward for a winner but failed to create a further opening despite threatening from numerous set peices.

A hard fought point for Holwell makes it four unbeaten in all competitions and leads into Saturdays FA Cup tie away at Kirby Muxloe with the squad in a confident frame of mind.

FT 1-1

Holwell; Stainsby, Foster, Hallam, Ridout, Marshall, Harris (Smith 75 mins), Hibbitt, Stevenson, Chapman, Joachim (Corkett - 80 mins), Wells
Subs Not Used; Lowe, Stannard.