First day Blues at Holwell!

Off we go again all too early for some judging by the small crowd that attended the opening day of the new EMCL Prem Divison home match against newcomers Basford Utd.

Holwell welcomed the visitors, a team brimming with confidence following two promotions in a row and full of skilful experienced ex-pros. Holwell would have their work cut out to live with these guys, however for most of the first half Holwell played well hustling the midfield with tough tackling and new signings Ridout and Stubbs doing well to shackle the lively Theo Smith and Aaron Hooton up front for Basford, particularly as the visitors showed their intent on fifteen minutes when Hooton should have opened the scoring with a header at the back post.

Jarrod Westcarr was causing Holwell’s captain Hallows problems with strong running on the right wing but intelligence forcing him inside onto his weaker foot limited the threat.

Holwell had a great chance to open the scoring on 30mins when Bitmead missed with a header at the back post after a great cross by Jay Kirkby.

Holwell were on the defensive for most of the half with Basford clearly dominating the play. Some poor finishing by the visitors and strong defending by the home centre backs gave the home fans hope that maybe Holwell could steal something out of this in the second half. HT 0 – 0

The visitors started stronger in the second half and again Hooton missed what looked like a sitter after 5mins but it didn’t take long for the visitor’s pressure to tell and on 54mins Theo Smith was set away controlling his run through two Holwell defenders to score high past Cragg as he advanced.

Again Basford looked well in control of the match with Holwell struggling to get on par and another embarrassing miss by Hooton saw him get the tug allowing Basford to bring on Ex-Nottingham Forest player Craig Westcarr.

On 70 mins Basford killed the game with the second goal when Stubbs unfortunately misjudged a cross going under the ball allowing it to land at the feet of Theo Smith who gave Cragg no chance from close range.

For Holwell their highlight of the second half was a thunderous shot by youngster Tom Muggleton which woke up Jake Want in the visitor’s goal who made a good save.

Holwell kept working away and could have nicked a draw as Kirkby had his first shot in the match on goal on 88mins followed by a strong header at the death by Billy Stubbs from a corner.

Not the start Holwell fans wanted but some big positives, certainly Ridout and Stubbs at the back looked strong. Midfield did well to stay in contention for most of the game but up front there was no punch or pace.

The management team will do their utmost to instil some confidence into the squad as they face a real chance of FA Cup glory against Sleaford next week.