Holwell Exit FA Vase

Holwell travelled to high flying NCEL side Heanor Town hoping to knock higher league opposition out of a national cup competition for the second time this season but unfortunately were firmly put to the sword in the last 20 minutes of the contest.

Daws who named an unchanged side to the side that beat Graham Street Prims last weekend would have been hopeful of a good showing from his side after Randall was the first player to test either keeper with a low volley from distance. Deakin in the Heanor goal was more than a match and parried to safety.

The rest of the half though saw Holwell on the backfoot as they looked to restrict any attacking room for the three Heanor forwards. K.Wells, Benger and Debrouwer all threatening with half chances but the Holwell defence was standing firm.

This was until Heanor skipper Hall broke through and slipped the ball past Cragg to make it 1-0 to the host after 26 minutes.

Holwell made rare fore-rays forward but were unable to force Deakin into another meaningful save.

Heanor doubled their advantage five minutes before the interval when a half cleared corner fell to Heanor full back Marriot, who fired back towards goal. After bouncing its way through a crowd off players, to ball deflected in of the inside of the post.

As the referee blew for half time Rose and K.Wells found themselves involved in an altercation which led to both players receiving a caution.

After a few choice words at half time, Holwell began the second half with much more fight and belief in themselves and looked to find a way back into tie.

That route came after only five minutes of the second half. Hallam started the move and after playing a one two with G.Wells his attempted cross for Mooney was only half cleared to G.Wells who made no mistake against his former club. With muted celebrations, Holwell looked to build on the momentum they had created.

Holwell then managed to give as good as got against their high league opposition and looked the more likely side to score and level the tie.

A Hibbitt header was saved by Deakin and as G.Wells followed up Deakin parried the ball to safety. An in-swinging free kick from substitute I.Wells was then lost in the sun by Deakin, but luckily for the Heanor keeper also by G.Wells as he attempted to head the ball in to the empty net.

Mooney then created an opening for himself firing low to the near post but again Deakin matched the shot.

With 20 minutes remaining Heanor made three quick changes as they looked to finish the tie as a contest. Heanor shortly after but the game to bed with 3 goals in 5 minutes. K.Wells with the first two before Debrouwer fired in as Heanor now threatened to run riot.

Heanor now totally in control of the game, began to play the feared free flowing football that has taken them to 4th in the NCEL. They were however unable to add to their tally, due to some wasteful finishing, but also Cragg and some stubborn goalkeeping.

Heanors 6th arrived three minutes from time as K.Wells completed his hat trick and added some more gloss to an emphatic result.

Despite the result Holwell can look back to the 15 minute spell in the second half where they managed to peg Heanor back and forced them into changing certain personnel as a positive. Holwell's hectic fixture back log continues on Tuesday as they host Blaby & Whetstone who themselves are enjoying an outstanding season this season in the national cup competitions.