Bird helps Tigers fly into semi-final

Holbeach United are in to the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy with a fine 2-1 win at Deeping Rangers.

In an impressive display, Holbeach controlled Tuesday night’s clash and will play Boston Town in the next round after goals from Will Bird and Josh Ford.

The latter gave the visitors a great start to the game, netting in the seventh minute.

The Tigers bossed the first half while Ricky Drury in goal was having more of a quiet night than he might have expected.

However, after Holbeach missed several chances to extend their lead, Deeping pulled themselves level in the 66th minute with one of their few chances, Dan Jarvis netting.

Parity lasted just three minutes as the Tigers fought back and grabbed the lead back thanks to a Bird strike.

The lively forward was a danger to Deeping throughout and he made it 2-1 with a fine 69th minute finish.

With frustration kicking in, Deeping were reduced to 10 men when they had their captain David Burton-Jones receive a straight red in an off the ball incident.

And that helped Holbeach see out the win without too many issues, bar one good chance Deeping carved out in injury time that was blazed well over the bar.

Tim Cole was in the hotseat for the Tigers with manager Danny Hussey unable to attend through work commitments.

Hussey said: “From what I understand the lads played very well and deserved the victory.

“We created a lot of chances in what was a really good performance and great result.

“Will Bird had a great game and we were also able to give minutes to a few players like Michael Frew who came off the bench so we’re pleased with that.”

It’s understood Holbeach will now play Boston Town in the semi-final of the competition.

Initially Boston were told they would be playing Brigg Town in that round, but they’ve since been told it was an administrative error by the Lincolnshire FA and the actual draw.

The club said: “The gaffe is being blamed on an administrative error caused by details being inputted incorrectly.”

Tigers: Drury, Wilson, Smith, Jackson, Fairweather, Jackson, Smith, Tinkler, Ford, Lockie, Bird. Subs: Nicholson, Frew, Coote, Withers, Barnes.