Brave Holwell Downed In Extra Time

Holwell pushed their higher league counterparts all the way to extra time, but in the end the exertions of a gruelling tie spread over 180 minutes finally caught up with Holwell as in the added 30 minutes of extra time Bedworth finally got their noses in front and comfortably held on to register a 2-0 victory.

Holwell were without the services of Marshall whose suspension had now kicked in following his red card in the previous round, while Bitmead was also unavailable due to work commitment's. Daws handed young Harris a place in his starting eleven after his good early season form.

Bedworth started with a different shape to that at the weekend as they looked to take an early advantage on their artificial surface that they play their home matches on. Bedworth saw plenty of the ball in the first half and penned Holwell back for long periods.

Holwell however were standing strong and kept breaking up the Bedworth play, protecting Stainsby as much as possible, and when called into action Stainsby continued to keep Bedworth at bay, as they began to grow frustrated at their failure to take the lead.

Holwell when given opportunity tried to counter attack swiftly, and threatened on a couple of occasions without managing to work or really test the Bedworth keeper.

Right on the stroke of halftime however Chapman fired in a warning shot as his cross come shot evaded the keeper and clipped the bar before rebounding to safety.

HT 0-0

Holwell made a tactical change at the break, adjusting there shape to combat Bedworths eagerness to exploit Holwell in the wide areas.

Bedworth continued to dictate the tempo of the game but again were finding Holwells defensive unit a constant problem to penetrate as Stainsby was called into minimal action.

As Bedworths frustration grew the game also began to open up and so did Holwells opportunity to attack and nick what would most definitely be a winner. With 20 minutes remaining the tie had not turned it an end to end FA Cup with both sides truly locking horns trying to land the killer blow.

Chapman crossed for Wells who like at the weekend headed towards goal but this time the Bedworth keeper matched the effort tipping it over his bar to safety. From the resulting corner Hibbitt looked set to head home but his header flew agonisingly wide under heavy pressure.

Joachim was replaced by Stannard, before Harris made way for Smith as Daws looked to reenergise his troops.

Despite plenty of endeavour by both sides, neither could break the deadlock with Bedworth guilty of missing the games best chances.

FT 0-0

Bedworth didn't have to wait long to make the break through in extra time, although suspicion is that they were slightly fortunate to have the goal stand with Hallam appearing to be fouled and held as the Bedworth player headed the opener in.

Feeling slightly aggrieved by a referee that had been very keen to make his mark with the Holwell players, Holwell were then beaten for a second time within a matter of minutes.

Holwells race had been run, and with nothing left in the tank Bedworth saw the remainder of the tie out without any majors scares.

Despite the disappointment Holwell can be pleased of another season of matching the clubs record progression in the FA Cup. Disappointment is probably a sign of where this Holwell side has come so far this season.

Holwell must now dust themselves down before travelling to high flyers Radford in the EMCL as their focus now turns back to league matters.

Holwell; Stainsby, Foster (booked - dissent), Hallam (booked - foul), Ridout (sent off - x2 bookings - fouls), Copson (Corkett - 110 mins), Chapman, Stevenson (booked - standing over ball), Hibbitt (booked - retaliation), Harris (Smith 75 mins), Joachim (Stannard 70 mins), Wells
Subs Not Used; Lowe, Barnard, Cropper