The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Holbeach United 2
Oadby Town 1
In-form Holbeach United made it six wins on the spin as they came from behind to defeat Oadby Town 2-1 on Saturday.
The visitors took an early lead through Daryl Russell (9), but Billy Smith (27) levelled with a lobbed finish before Danny Barker grabbed to winner on the stroke of half-time to give Seb Hayes’ side the points.
Oadby had a man sent off after the break, which made the Tigers’ job that little bit easier as they saw the game out to go third in the table and move within a point of second-placed Pinchbeck United.
Holbeach boss Seb Hayes was impressed with the way his side bounced back from falling behind – and now feels they are well-positioned in the table after a tricky start that had seen them lose three of their first five.
But he did feel that his side were sloppy in the opening exchanges and that they were perhaps fortunate not to fall further behind.
“We were rubbish in the first 25 minutes,” joked Hayes. “They went ahead with a bit of a fluke and were all over us when it was 1-0.
“Maybe last season, I’d have been concerned at that point. But the lads stayed calm and I was relaxed about us turning things around.
“In the summer, people questioned why I broke up what was a very good side that won a cup and finished fourth. The past few weeks have shown why, as last year we just weren’t capable of coming from behind – I think we won once from 14 losing positions.
“We’ve been in great form ever since coming from behind to get a point in the Cogenhoe game and this win makes it six on the bounce.
“We’re sitting in a good position now and are probably higher than I expected us to be a few weeks ago.
“I’m taking nothing for granted, but things are going really well at the moment and we’re looking strong.”
Saturday’s match was Hayes’ 200th as a manager in the United Counties League.
The victory was his 105th, with represents a healthy win ratio of 52.5 per cent.
He lists Huntingdon Town, Peterborough Norther Star and Oakham United among his former sides.
Tigers: Drury, Harker, Whyatt, Braithwaite, Clay, Jackson, Avis, Tinkler, J Smith, Bird, B Smith. Subs used: Barker, Tricks, Clarke.
