Holwell Defeated On The Road

St Andrews sent Holwell away from Canal Street empty handed after Holwell paid the price for not being able to defend a big punt from the goalkeeper.

Holwell handed a first start of the season to latest recruit Tom Byrne who has dual signed with Coalville as he continues his comeback from injury. Byrne replace Barnard who was unavailable and Stannard regained his spot in the starting 11 in place of the injured Wells. Parra-Watson returned after missing the midweek draw with Radcliffe with Smith dropping to the bench.

St Andrews started brightly as they looked to maintain pressure on leaders Bardon at the top off the table but it was Holwell who took the lead. Foster nodded down a Stevenson corner for Byrne to volley home and make an immediate impact.

Unfortunately Holwells lead didn't last two minutes after Stephens punished Holwell for failing to deal with a punt up field from his own goalkeeper. It was a disappointing way to concede a goal and the lead that Holwell had worked to achieve.

Buoyed by leveling so quickly St Andrews maintained the pressure and five minutes later the influential Hickey punished more slack Holwell defending. This time Holwell failed to attack and clear a free-kick into the box and Hickey swooped at the back post to poke home.

It was a further set back for Holwell who then stood firm against further Andrews attack until regrouping at half time.

The second half started with St Andrews looking to kill the game off a threatening to run riot without ever really managing to trouble Stainsby in the Holwell goal, with their final ball letting them down. The one time Andrews did get it together however Stainsby more than matched them with a superb double save to Holwell in the game.

As Holwell rode out the storm they began to threatened themselves as Andrews now become nervy in and around their own box. First Hallam just failed to get on the end of a Chapman cross, before Foster volleyed a shot just wide from 25 yards.

Despite Holwell probing and knocking on the door, Andrews stood firm and claimed the three points and completed the double over Holwell.

Holwell face St Andrews on Tuesday night looking to get that winning feeling back and complete a league double over the leagues bottom side.