Holwell Get Back On Track

Holwell and Kimberley faced each other for the second time in a fortnight and it was Holwell who gained the three points after the points were shared at The Stag Ground.

Daws was able to welcome back Stevenson and Foster after both were unavailable for last weekends defeat at Ellistown, while Wells returned to the bench. Keast was absent however due to family commitments while Rose was also unavailable through his suspension that he got for last weekends dismissal.

A Kimberley side that was visibly different from the side faced two weeks ago played a different shape along with at least 5 different players in the starting 11.

Just as the first encountered was a closely fought battle on a damp pitch, so were the opening exchanges at Welby Road with both teams looking to gain the upper hand.

It was Kimberely that broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Honeyman headed in at the back post after good work by the Kimberley left winger.

The goal galvanized Kimberley and they began to control the game without ever really looking like adding to the tally. Holwell began their comeback as the half drew to a close.

firstly Mooney found space in the box from a corner but fired over. Barnard then was unlucky when unable to reach a Foster cross. With three minutes remaining of the half however Hibbitt headed Holwell level with his 6th goal of the season. Hibbitt rose best off all and after threatening from previous Stevenson corners Holwell finally took advantage.

Holwell started the second half like they finished the first, on the front foot and looking to now go on and take the lead. With Foster now enjoying more space and involvement down the Holwell right the second looked only a matter of time. Fosters scissor kick volley rattled the bar, Chapman crossed for Stannard who headed wide. It was Mooney who eventually made the pressure tell in the 56th minute when racing clear after being sent through by Stevenson he drilled his shot straight through the keeper and in to the net.

5 minutes later and Mooney added his second of the game and his 23rd of the season. Another pin point Foster cross was headed down at the back post by Stannard for Mooney to this time prod in from close range.

With the game seemingly in Holwells' control the game became slightly disjointed as both sides making enforced changes a tired legs now becoming a factor.

Smith replaced Hibbitt with 20 minutes remaining, before Denigan replaced Calver. Kimberley began to threaten again without creating clear cut chances. The best of which Hallam was on hand to clear off the line as Ridout marshalled his back line into preserving the lead they now held.

The final whistle brought to a close another battling victory for Holwell that lifts them up to 9th in EMCL. Holwell now lie 12 points adrift of Ashby in 6th, with three games in hand and Ashby to play again.

Up next for Holwell however is the Westerby Cup Quarter Final tie again Quorn. After previous cancellations and much confusion it has been confirmed that this tie will now be played at Holwells' Welby Road ground on Tuesday 24th February 7.30 KO. The winners can look forward to a semi final tie against Coalville Town.