Holwell Suffer Second League Defeat

It could be said that Saturdays exploits caught up with Holwell with below par performances across the team. Daws was forced to re shuffle his side after G.Wells was forced out after picking up a low grade tear to his hamstring in the victory over Retford. Chapman also was forced out through injury after picking up a toe injury, in a freak accident with a can of coke.

In came Randall to the defence, with Hallam also brought in to make his full debut in midfield. The re shuffle also saw Williams drop back into defence, and Foster pushed up front to play alongside Stannard.

Unsurprisingly it was Gedling that started the better. Faster and sharper across the pitch, Holwell struggled to get in to the game, and saw them ride their luck some what for the opening 20 minutes. Gedling went close numerous times, Cragg forced to make several saves, and when Cragg was beaten, a stubborn defence helped him out by blocking shots and also clearing of the line.

The game changed around the half hour mark when an altercation between Rose and a Gedling forward resulted in Gedling being reduced to 10 men for appearing to elbow Rose. Rose was also booked for his participation. Ten minutes later however and fearing a second yellow card could be heading Roses' way, Daws replaced him with Wilding taking his place in defence.

Despite their numerical advantage Holwell still struggled to get a real foot hold in the game, however they did begin to venture more into the Gedling half and box. In fact with the scores still level, and half time fast approaching it was Holwell that had the halfs best chance. A good run and low ball in from the hard working Hallam, saw Stannard step over the ball, leaving the ball to run to the unmarked Foster, With just the goalie to beat, Foster unfortunately after digging the ball out from under his feet got to much elevation on his shot as it whistled over the bar.

THe first 15 minutes of the second half saw Holwell have their best period of the game, and look as if it was going to be them to break the deadlock. Stannard, I.Wells, Stevenson and Hallam all going close from distance. Foster this time managed to fore the Gedling goalkeeper into a smart save but the scores remained level.

After the hour mark, the energy seemed to sap out of the Holwell legs even more and the 10 men of Gedling started to look dangerous again, espcially on the break. The Gedling full backs constantly pushing forward at pace to join in their attacks. With 15 minutes remaining Gedling broke the deadlock. A half cleared corner was swiftly put back in to the Holwell penalty area and was meet by the free head of Brown to put the host one up.

Daws brought on Hazeldine and Calver to try and ignite some life into the tired legs of his players, but unfortunately despite Holwell's best efforts they couldn't create a match saving chance, and in reality Gedling looked more likely to add to their total.

Gedling saw out he match to take the three points with a 1-0 victory. One the balance of play they probably deserved it especially after playing the best part of an hour a man down, although had Holwell taken their chances the game could have very easily been a different result.

For Holwell its Anstey Nomads in FA Vase at Welby Road on Saturday. After last seasons good Vase run, Holwell will be looking to get back on the winning thread, and build momentum up ahead off next weeks travels to Radford and then Spalding in FA Cup.