Hayes full of praise as Holbeach United smash six to seal first win of season

Holbeach United 6
Kirby Muxloe 0

Resurgent Holbeach United redressed their poor early season form with a dominant 6-0 victory over Kirby Muxloe on Saturday.

Having lost their first two games of the season, the Tigers made a stellar start to the Future Lions UCL Premier Division clash and were 2-0 up inside five minutes against struggling Kirby Muxloe thanks to goals from Will Bird (2) and Jack Smith (5).

A second from Jack Smith made it 3-0 early in the second half at Carter’s Park, before Josh Ford (54) got in on the act to put the result beyond doubt.

There was still time for Bird to chip home a delightful fifth 20 minutes from time, while Kieran Hamilton jumped off the bench to score for the second week running (76) to round off the rout.

Tigers boss Seb Hayes admitted that his side could have won by more, but was pleased with the showing.

“Without being harsh, Kirby Muxloe aren’t the strongest opposition,” said Hayes. “We really could have been 7-0 up at half-time.

“I think we hit the woodwork four or five times – I actually lost count.

“We weren’t really clinical enough on the day, if I’m honest. It sounds silly when you win 6-0, but it’s true.

“But I was after a strong performance and a result – and that’s what I got.

“To be 2-0 up after five minutes was great. The pleasing thing was that the lads grew in confidence and began to play out from the back.

“That’s something we worked on in training, but I hadn’t particularly enforced it before the game.

“I’m very encouraged by that and, to be honest, it was great to see the players stepping up to the plate.

“I’m also really pleased to see the forwards get a few goals. Both of Will Bird’s goals were of real quality and Jack Smith – who could have scored a double hat-trick – scored a really special second goal.

“I know Josh Ford was unhappy not to get a few more, but he’s scored in back-to-back games now too.”

Holbeach are hoping to arrange a league fixture at Boston Town on Saturday, but they’ll be without a match if the league don’t rubber stamp the fixture.

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