Replay Needed

On a glorious sunny afternoon Holwell held higher league Kirby Muxloe to a 0-0 draw with both teams finding clear cut chances hard to come by. The result means that on Tuesday evening Holwell will host the replay where a winner will be decided, and a home fixture against Evo-Stik South side Bedworth United will await the victors.

Daws made one change to his starting line up that drew with Arnold Town last midweek with Bitmead returning in place of Harris.

The game started at a frenetic tempo as Holwell looked to stifle Kirby's 352 formation, and the first half chance fell to Holwell when Wells's glancing header from a Chapman cross went wide of the Kirby post. Five minutes later and this time a cross from the right by Foster, saw another Wells header, this time tipped over the bar to safety.

Kirby hit back with chances of their own, and twice called Stainsby into action, superbly saving down low to his right on both occasions.

Holwell continued to be disciplined in their approach and with Stevenson, Hibbitt and Bitmead restricting room in the centre of the field Kirby were forced to attack down the flanks with Foster, Marshall and Chapman all doing their defensive duties.

Hibbitt had a header cleared of the line from a corner before Stevenson shot over from distance before the half time whistle sounded.

HT 0-0

With the Saturday afternoon heat bound the slow the tempo of the game down in the second half a good start by either side could prove pivotal, but as the first half had proved, defences were very much on top. Ridout along with Hallam were keeping Stainsby well protected, however when required Stainsby was in top form to keep the scores level.

Holwell struggled to create in the second half, with Joachim failing to connect to his only half chance. Daws introduced Copson into the game just after the hour mark, and his energy a drive certainly gave Holwell a timely boost. In fact Copson came closest for Holwell in the second when his thunder bolt from 20 odd yards swerved and troubled the Kirby goalie enough to only punch it away.

The last ten minutes of the tie saw both teams looking very tired as the heat really kicked in and took its toll on what had been a full on cup tie even if it was missing goals and clear cut chances.

Holwell will look to complete the job they have started and hopefully in front of a bumper crowd at Welby Road and start September with a bang. Tuesday 1st September 2015, 7.45 KO

Holwell; Stainsby, Foster, Ridout, Hallam, Marshall, Bitmead (Copson 65 mins), Hibbitt, Stevenson, Chapman, Joachim, Wells (Stannard 75 mins)
Subs Not Used; Lowe, Barnard, Smith, Harris