The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Holbeach United’s fine run of form on their travels continued with an excellent away success at the Rothwell Corinthians on Saturday.
The victory, which followed last Wednesday’s triumph at Sleaford, means Holbeach have lost just one of their nine away league matches so far this season – against table-topping Peterborough Sports.
Saturday’s success was achieved at a Seargents Lawn ground where they had been beaten the previous season and boss Tom Roberts was delighted to come away with the three points.
He said: “We have done well to win our last two away games at what are hard places to go.
“We dropped points last year at both those places so to get two victories was very pleasing.
“There seems to be less pressure on the lads when we play away from home which could explain why we do alright.”
After a goalless opening period where chances were at a premium, Holbeach took the initiative four minutes into the second half.
Jordan Thomas picked up the ball on the left wing and, after beating two players, won the chase for his own through ball before rounding the home keeper and slotting home.
The Tigers’ lead was doubled with 15 minutes remaining when Jack Smith was fouled and, from the resultant free-kick, Spencer Tinkler headed the ball back across goal for Smith to score from close range.
Rothwell reduced the arrears with seven minutes remaining through Jordan Henson, but Holbeach held out for a crucial victory despite a nervy final few minutes.
The victory also enabled fourth-placed Holbeach to close the gap on the leading pack in the Premier Division table with leaders Peterborough Sports and second-placed Desborough both dropping points.
And Roberts is hoping his charges can maintain their momentum ahead of a double whammy of home matches at Carter’s Park.
They hosted derby rivals Deeping Rangers on Wednesday nignt before taking on Kirby Muxloe at home on Saturday (3pm).
Roberts added: “We’re looking for maximum points because, if you want to be in with a chance, then you need to win your home games.
“We are ticking over nicely at the moment. I was able to name an unchanged team for the first time in ages on Saturday and having a settled squad is a big help.”
Matt Warfield will return on Saturday after missing the Deeping match through a one-game suspension while Tommy Treacher and Ollie Pinner are also available for selection again.
Striker Josh Ford was also hoping to be back in training after allaying initial fears that he had broken his foot.
Holbeach: Drury, Walton, A Jackson, Tinkler, N Jackson, Stevens, Eyett (Wright), Warfield, Smith (Muldrew), Clitheroe, Thomas. Not used: Roberts, Cundy.
The Tigers have another midweek match next Wednesday night when they travel to Boston Town in the quarter-final of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy.
