Holwell Downed By Radford

Radford completed the double over Holwell on Saturday with a 2-0 victory. A goal in each half meant Holwell returned from their trip to Nottingham empty handed, and again lose ground on the teams above them after getting within touching distance.

New year vacations and suspensions forced Daws into making numerous changes. Paul Burton signed on over the Christmas period replaced the suspended Stainsby in goal. Hibbitt himself returned from suspension to replace Stevenson who was on vacation, while Chapman made his first start since a hamstring injury replacing Foster, himself away on vacation. Hallam although available after suspension was also missing from the squad as was Calver due to work commitments.

Holwell started the game better after their two week weather enforced break, but their final ball often let down. For the opening 10 minutes Holwell enjoyed the majority of possession as Radford were forced back early on.

After 15 minutes Radford themselves after going two weeks without a game settled down and began to threaten themselves and begin to take control off the game, and they took the lead from a deep free kick which Holwell failed to clear and was poked home by Kevin.

The game became scrappy on which was a very good playing surface at Selhurst Street, with Holwell failing to carve out any clear cut chances. Smith fired in a shot from distance which was blocked, and Holwell received no joy in trying to take advantage from attacking set pieces.

Meanwhile Radford themselves were looking very dangerous on the counter attack and hit the woodwork a couple of times and forced Burton into a couple of saves as they looked to double their lead.

The second half followed suit, with Radford failing to take advantage off the chances that were coming their way frustrated by the in form Burton, while Holwell threatened to draw themselves level.

An injury to Randall saw him replaced by Keast, who was making his first appearance off the season after injury during a pre season friendly.

McKay then came on for only his second appearance for Stannard, which pushed Chapman and Wells further forward.

Holwell then for 10 minutes looked the more likely to get the next goal. Firstly Wells took one too many touches and failed to get his shot away, before Mooney fired wide. A succession of deep free kicks and corners then followed for Holwell but again they failed to make these count due to a combination of the superior height advantage Radford had but also poor delivery into the box on occassions.

Wells then linked with Keast and shot wide, while Hibbitt flashed a header wide of the goal as Radford then used their substitutes.

Rose had a penalty claim waved away, before Radford finally killed the game when substitute Udoh slotted home with 5 minutes remaining.

A frustrating and disappointing start to 2015 by a ring rusty Holwell not helped by player unavailability. Up next Holwell entertain Gedling Miners Welfare at Welby Road, with Gedling winning the reverse fixture earlier in the season 1-0.

Holwell; Burton, Denigan, Rose (booked - foul), Ridout, Chapman, Randall (Keast 60 mins), Hibbitt, Smith, Wells, Stannard (McKay 70 mins), Mooney.
Subs not used; Barnard