The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Holbeach United 3
Lincoln MW 2
Despite seeing his depleted side make progress in the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday, Holbeach United boss Danny Hussey was far from happy with what he saw.
A stunning long-range free-kick by Danny Setchell (26), Josh Ford’s penalty (44) and a Jonny Lockie (70) strike fired the Tigers to a 3-2 victory over Lincoln Moorlands Railway in the first round qualifying clash – setting up a trip to Clifton All Whites in the next round (September 14).
Holbeach had led the Carter’s Park clash 3-0 before two late goals from Rob Smith (86 and 90) gave the scoreline a closer feel.
However, Hussey – who felt his charges looked lazy – admitted that he was bitterly disappointed by the performance of his side and has warned them that he won’t accept that kind of showing again.
“I’m really disappointed with the performance if I’m honest,” barked Hussey. “I walked away from the game feeling like we’d lost.
“Yes, people can say that we’ve won the game despite having loads of players missing.
“But I’m looking at the bigger picture. Our starting 11 was still very strong and a lot of those lads have been with me for a while and know what I’m all about as a manager.
“I won’t accept laziness and a lack of effort, it’s as simple as that. It has really given me food for thought moving forward.
“This is no disrespect to Lincoln Moorlands, they did well and were unlucky not to get something.
“I’m just focusing on my team and I wasn’t happy with what I saw.
“The only real positive that I can take away from the game is that Jon Fairweather came through 30 minutes or so unscathed.
“Ryan Oliver also got a few minutes, but he’s some way off being ready.
“Overall, things certainly need to improve.”
Lincolnshire League side Moorlands are two levels lower than the Tigers in the non-league pyramid, but started well against a Holbeach side that handed a place in the starting 11 to loan signing Mikey Armstrong from Stamford.
Setchell’s first goal in black and yellow gave the hosts the lead just before the half-hour and he fired home from a long way out.
Ford’s spot-kick just before the break gave the Tigers breathing space – and when Lockie capitalised on a defensive mix-up and slotted home following a one-on-one, the tie looked done and dusted.
However, Smith pulled one back with a chipped finish before turning home his second following a cross into the box.
There was no time for the away side to mount another attack in a bid to force a reply, with the Tigers surviving a late scare to secure their place in the next round.
Tigers: Drury, Nicholson, Wilson, Braithwaite, Armstrong, Ford, Setchell, Lockie, Adams, Bird. Subs: Storey, Oliver, Fairweather, Hussey.
