Holwell 2 Greenwood 1

After the midweek heroics, it was back to league action for Holwell as they entertained Greenwood Meadows (20th) in EMCL. One of only 3 league fixtures a win would see Holwell jump from 12th up to 6th. Greenwood however were always going to prove a difficult obstacle to overcome especially given the efforts of midweek, and Greenwoods current position in the league.

Daws made only one forced change to his starting line up bringing in Harris for the not well enough to start Bitmead. Stannard was missing from the squad all together after a recurrence of a back injury.

If Holwell may have been excused for making a slow start to this game, however Stevenson gave Holwell the perfect start opening the scoring after only 2 minutes. Stevenson linked up with Chapman and Joachim before being slipped through to neatly slide the ball past the Greenwood keeper.

After the most perfect of starts Holwell however let it go to waste. With what has been so far this season a pretty water tight defence, (3 goals conceded in the past 6 games) it was a poor goal to concede with Cross being given a free header from a free kick to level the scores after only 5 minutes.

This gave Greenwood the belief they craved, but despite the endeavour and enthusiasm they failed to create further scoring opportunities and for the remainder of the half especially had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping the scores level.

Despite not playing to the high standards set this season Holwell began to create chance after chance without punishing Greenwood. Firstly from a corner Wells saw his effort from 6 yards smash straight into the diving keepers face, before moments later again being foiled this time when racing one on one with the keeper.

Next was Chapman who saw his effort skip wide with the keeper this time beaten before Joachim steered a effort goalwards to again find the diving keepers hand to strong and tipping his effort round the post.

Next Joachim crossed for Wells but his header was again saved, before Joachim saw another goal bound effort steered to safety.

The final chance of what had become a highly frustrating half fell to Wells but just when he looked set to strike, he lost his footing and the keeper again collected.

HT 1-1

The second half started in much the same way as the first half with Holwell pushing to break the deadlock again. Hibbitt saw a header from a Chapman corner heading towards the top corner before again the Greenwood keeper clawed it away. Foster and Stevenson both had efforts from deep as Holwell begun to wonder if it was going to be one off those days.

Holwells frustrations however were brought to an end when Chapman finally found a route past the inspired keeper at the second time of asking after his first effort was saved.

Holwell continued to press even with the lead but midweeks efforts really began to show as Daws introduced fresh legs. Holwell saw the remainder of the game out without to much trouble, although Stainsby was called into action to make a full length diving save down to his left in the dining moments to keep the scoreline in tacked.

Holwell can now look forward to a midweek without a fixture and fully prepare for next weekends FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie against Evo Stik Southern League side Bedworth United, where it is hoped supporters come up to Welby Road a create an even better atmosphere than the other night against Kirby Muxloe.

Holwell; Stainsby, Foster, Hallam (Bitmead 65 mins), Ridout, Marshall, Harris (Smith 75), Stevenson, Hibbitt, Chapman, Joachim, Wells (Copson 80 mins)