Holwell and Ashby grind out a dissapointing stalemate.

Holwell Sports FC 0 – 0 Ashby Ivanhoe

Nothing to see here folks – please move on!!

Both managers could be happy with their defenders as both sets equipped themselves well against the poor standard of attacking and finishing on show.

Ashby set off at pace but it was 14mins before they won their first corner. Bitmead cleared with a decent header but Ashby midfielder Danny Edwards half volleyed the clearance from the edge of the box and Jamie Witham did ever so well to tip the goal bound shot over for a second corner where centre half Tom Powell rose to head the ball just wide – a let off for Holwell.
There followed some sustained pressure from Ashby as Holwell had to defend their lines with some last ditch tackles and headers by Ridout, Bitmead and Cropper keeping the visitors out.

Ashby were getting the ball up to the forwards but their final balls and finishing let them down badly.

Holwell were plugging away but equally light up front but on 28mins Joe Williams sent Kieran Foster away down the right. As he stretched his legs losing the full back he sent in a good low cross field pass which Joe Williams got to but the ball was turned away by keeper Alan for a corner.

But it was Ashby that were the stronger of the two teams with centre forward Luke Edwards and winger Josh Riley that were causing the home side’s back four concern but to their credit they defended well to keep the score at nil nil at the break.

The second half continued as the first lots of huff and puff but no real skill in evidence. Michael Stevenson and Joe Williams showed craft in midfield whilst Brad Smith could be pleased with his tackling and passing.

Ashby used both of their subs but neither could infuse any greater effort on the park. The closest Ashby got was a shot on goal on 65 mins as Riley got free down the right as he cut in near the bye line he shot at the near post but keeper Witham had it well covered.
Holwell were able to clear their lines but too often the ball was coming straight back at the defenders and the process repeated itself. Holwell’s wing backs were not able to pressurise the visitors defence enough to allow the forwards Harris and Cowling to benefit, both were easily contained.

The closest Holwell came to a winner was after David Hazeldine came on for the injured Joe Williams. His bustling style upset the visitors and on 75mins Cowling laid the ball off to Hazeldine who’s ferocious shot was blocked by a last ditch body on the line tackle by Ashby captain Sam Johnson.

With the final score a stalemate nil nil there was nothing here to suggest which team will progress in their rearranged League Cup tie at Ashby Ivanhoe on Tuesday night.

Holwell: Witham, Ridout, Bitmead, Woodcock, Foster, Stevenson, Smith, Williams(Hazeldine), Cropper, Harris(Lowe), Cowling. Subs not used: Fontura, Tinsley