Hayes admits heavyweight clash was ‘poor’ as Holbeach United slip to Rugby defeat

Rugby Town 2
Holbeach United 0

Boss Seb Hayes felt Saturday’s much-anticipated Future Lions UCL Premier Division clash between Rugby Town and Holbeach United was a “poor game” after seeing his Tigers lose 2-0.

A double from Richard Blythe (6 and 71) at Butlin Road handed Holbeach their second league defeat of the campaign, as the much-fancied hosts flexed their muscles.

Rugby did have Stefan Blake sent off 18 minutes from time, but the Tigers were unable to get themselves back into the contest.

Hayes, who feels his side were denied a goal when the home keeper appeared to drop a cross over his own line, admitted that his side got what they deserved.

“I think it was a really poor UCL game,” bemoaned Hayes. “Neither side played very well, if I’m honest.

“Take nothing away from Rugby, they deserved to win the game. But I don’t think they looked like a side that we should be scared of this season.

“We created chances, but just didn’t take them. They took theirs, but our keeper only had one save to make.

“I don’t know, maybe we showed them too much respect. But my plan was to go there and attack them, which is what we tried to do. We were in the game for long periods, but just couldn’t find a goal.

“Saying that, the lads are adamant that their keeper dropped a cross over the line. Sadly, the linesman wasn’t up with play and it wasn’t given.

“Overall, we didn’t do the basic things that I expect from my side.

“We didn’t do enough off the ball and we didn’t dig in and keep our shape.”

Tigers: Tarris, T Smith, Cartwright, Clay, Braithwaite, Jackson, Avis (Hamilton), Tinkler, Ford, J Smith, B Smith. Not used: Harker, Barker, Whyatt, Kirk.

Attendance: 262.