Holwell Edge Out Holbrook In 7 Goal Thriller!

Holwell edged a seven goal thriller that sent them into the Christmas period with another three points.

With Hibbitt and Hallam both suspended, Barnard and Calver both unavailable due to work commitments, not for the first time Daws saw his squad stretched to it limits. Smith replaced Hibbitt and Denigan came in for Hallam, with Chapman recalled to the bench after injury along with Samuel Daws.

Holwell almost made the perfect start but unfortunately Wells couldn't convert his chance in the opening minute after being sent through by Mooney.

Holwell were on top of the early exchanges and on occasions only last ditch tackles/blocks were stopping chances being created. This was until Holbrook broke forward and took the lead through and top scorer Minnot poked past Stainsby.

The game then turned scrappy and was mainly fought out in the centre third of the pitch with neither side really on top.

The next goal went the way of Holbrook after disposes sing Holwell off possession on the edge of their box created the opening to take a two goal lead.

Holwell retaliated, and Wells again went close this time his header saved from a Stannard cross. Next Mooney went through but saw his attempted lob go just past the post.

With 5 minutes remaining of the half, Holbrook failed to clear a Holwell corner and this time Mooney made no mistake in slamming the ball into the net to bring Holwell back into game.

Holwell then nearly levelled the scores when Wells looked certain to head in from a Foster cross until the ball took an unfortunate bounce that favoured the home side.

After half time Holwell again started brighter and drew level within minutes. Foster slipping Mooney through superbly for him to notch his second of the game.

This spurred Holbrook back into life and Minnott restored their advantage just after the hour mark.

Holbrook however were struggling to kill the game off and 10 minutes later Mooney completed his hat trick curling in to the top corner to level the scores once more.

With both sides now looking for a winner the game became even more stretched on what was now a even boggier pitch.

The games last telling moment came with 15 minutes remaining when this Mooney crossed for Foster to head home and but Holwell ahead for the first time in the game.

Despite late pressure Holwell saw out the match for a very well deserved three points, which now sends them 9 points clear of Borrowash directly below them in 15th and brings them 6 points adrift of Barrow Town in 8th.

Holwell; Stainsby, Denigan, Ridout, Rose, Randall, Foster (booked-dissent), Smith, Stevenson, Wells, Stannard (Chapman 80 mins), Mooney.
Subs not used; S.Daws