Holwell Come Back From The Dead To Earn Replay

In front of a bumper crowd (211) Holwell gave their higher league opponents a two goal lead to come back and earn a replay which they richly deserve, if not to have totally won the tie after Joachim hit the post in the final five minutes.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon up Welby Road with the pitch looking immaculate Holwell looked to make history and in the process cause the biggest upset of the FA Cup so far this season.

Holwell who were unfortunately without the guidance of manager Daws were instead led from the sidelines by assistant Hatton. Copson returned to the starting line up in place of Harris as Holwell looked to continue their good early season form.

Unfortunately for Holwell and the bumper crowd that had made the effort to come and support, Holwell were clinically put to the sword by Bedworth, who threatened to run riot, scoring twice in the opening 20 mins.

Holwell as well as being shell shocked we also caught up in the occasion instead of playing the game and not helping their own cause. Slack marking from a corner led to Bedworth opening the scoring in the opening 5 minutes. Bedworth doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Holwell failed to react to a brilliant Stainsby save, as the Bedworth forward had no hesitation in doubling his sides league.

Bedworth currently bottom of the Evo Stik Southern League began to play with confidence as Holwell struggled to get near them, let alone keep possession of the ball when give chance.

Bedworth rattled the bar with an effort from 25 yards, and with this Holwell began to work themselves back in to game. Holwell's first chance fell to Stevenson who fired his volley over, as the momentum of the game began to shift.

Holwell now playing without fear, began to threaten Bedworths defence and began to get tighter to the Bedworth players all over the pitch, as it was now Bedworth who couldn't create any attacking options.

Stevenson saw another shot from distance drift wide, before Ridout powered a header over the bar from a Chapman corner. Confidence and belief began to become apparent not only across the Holwell team but also amongst the Welby Road crowd.

Holwells next corner proved pivotal in the context of the game as Wells glanced in an in-swinging Chapman corner with the slight aid of a Bedworth defenders head.

Moments later, Welby Road were stunned as Holwell levelled the match. A free flowing move saw Chapman whip another inviting cross into the box for Wells to meet, and head past the Bedworth keeper as Welby Road erupted.

After being totally out played for such long periods of the half Holwell had again dug deep to draw themselves level before half time, as it was Bedworth who were glad to hear the half time whistle.

HT 2-2

With momentum now firmly on Holwells side and the crowd sensing something possibly special Holwell continued on the front foot. Hibbitt headed over from a Foster cross, before Stevenson saw his free kick rebound off the wall. Foster then sent Wells through but his attempted clip over the Bedworth was parried to safety.

Bedworth however weren't lying down and giving in, however for all the endeavour and slick build up play they were struggling to penetrate what had now become a tight stubborn Holwell rearguard.

Bedworth themselves began to tighten up at the back as Holwell threatened to run out steam. Hatton was forced into replacing the injured Copson before Stannard came on for Wells for the final 10 minutes.

Holwell weren't quite done however. Hibbitt saw another header flash agonisingly wide, before in the dying moments, a Hibbitt flick gave Joachim an opportunistic effort with a first time flick from 25 yards, that had the goalkeeper beaten for it rebound to safety of the far post.

The final chance of the match however fell to Bedworth with a free kick from just outside the box in the final seconds. The free kick fell harmlessly into Stainsbys hands and both sides will now go again on Tuesday night.

FT 2-2

Holwell; Stainsby, Foster, Ridout, Hallam (Bitmead 70 mins / Booked foul), Marshall (booked, Copson (Smith 60 mins), Hibbitt, Stevenson, Chapman, Joachim, Wells (booked - high foot / Stannard 78 mins)
Subs not used - Barnard, Harris, Lowe, Alexander