Bleak Rainy Day defeat at Birstall

Match Report 01/10/16

Holwell looked second best for most of this contest against a revamped and strengthened Birstall United side unbeaten in four matches since being beaten by Holwell 4-0 at Welby Road on 20th August. But changes in the second half nearly brought about a result.

In torrential rain both sides set about imposing their play the ball moving fast on the rain soaked surface. Timings of tackles would have to be accurate to ensure no unnecessary bookings.

Foster was given a good opportunity very early on as Hibbitt powered a header from a clearance over the top of the defence but the forward was not aware of how clear the chance was and Birstall cleared. Another chance fell to Wells on 8mins at the back post as Hazeldine did well down the right his cross in, just too high for Foster found Wells but he failed to control the ball and the chance was lost.

A loose tackle on Dodd on the edge of the box 11mins nearly brought about the opener. As he took the free kick Witham did extremely well to get down low to his left and between him and David Reeves they managed to keep Dodd’s pile driver out.

But five minutes later the early Birstall pressure told as Dan Jelley was allowed to pick up the ball midway into the Holwell half and run at the defence. As they backed off he progressed into the box and from a left hand position took a shot which Bitmead failed to clear slicing the ball at Witham who could not stop the ball agonisingly squirming in at the near post.

Holwell just could not get to grips with Lewis Dodd who harried the defence into hurried clearances and it was Birstall that were first to the ball for most of the first half.

Holwell did well to ensure no more goals were conceded in the first half. Their one and only real chance to get back into the game came on 34mins as Birstall’s keeper was a full stretch to turn away a Hammond strike on goal.

Holwell were all over the place at the start of the second half and Birstall looked to take advantage. The troublesome Dodd again looked threatening. On 50mins he crashed a shot against Witham’s left hand post from just outside the box. However it was becoming clear apart from Dodd, Birstall were not taking advantage of the percentage of possession they were enjoying.

Manager Webb decided to make a couple of tactical changes and the early signs were better as Holwell forced two quick corners but no goals to get them back in the game. Foster had another break away chance on 58mins but again his finish deserted him.

Mark Tinsley was putting in a hard shift up front chasing down defenders as now it was Holwell that seemed in the ascendancy. Hazeldine was substituted by Chiavetta, Wells moved up top with Tinsley and Foster moved to Right Midfield. This immediately started to change the flow of the game with Holwell looking more balanced.

This change seemed to improve Holwell significantly and they started to make decent chances for Tinsley as he got beyond a defender to get in a shot then Wells on 70mins as he worked half a chance but still the elusive equaliser would not come.

Better service into the forwards was beginning to work for Holwell Tinsley broke after a great through ball and crossed for Wells but his goal bound effort was just tipped over the bar by the alert Birstall keeper.

Birstall had the chance to finally kill the game as Dodd was given his best opportunity of the half but his shot was weak and cleared up by Witham.

Holwell substituted Woodcock for the last ten minutes to replace Cropper who had done well for Holwell at left back, and the new boy was quickly involved in gaining the advantage in midfield as the game finished with Holwell the more likely to get an equaliser.
However another two chances for Tinsley and Bitmead went missing with Bitmead’s effort just cleared off the line in the closing minutes.

Holwell must rue these matches where they are losing by the odd goal when by all accounts they are not too far behind their opposition. A more settled side, players playing in their more natural positions might start to see fortunes improve.

Holwell:- Witham, Reeves, Cropper(Woodcock), Bitmead, Ridout, Hazeldine( Chiavetta), Hibbitt, Hammond(Norris), Wells, Tinsley, Foster.