The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Wellingborough Town 0
Holbeach United 5
John Chand lauded Ashley Fuller’s best performance in a Holbeach United shirt as his hat-trick sunk Wellingborough Town in the UCL Premier Division on Saturday.
Winger Fuller bagged on 13, 64 and 70 minutes at the Dog and Duck after being restored to his preferred position on the left wing.
New recruit Jamie Clarke also delivered a debut double (46 and 61) to keep the Tigers top of the table and flawless away from home.
Co-boss Chand, who was a key factor in bringing Fuller to Carter’s Park from Kettering Town, was delighted to see his man shine – but challenged him to deliver on a weekly basis.
“It was easily Ashley’s best performance for us,” beamed Chand. “Few people, other than me, knew how good he could be when we got him.
“He’s told us that he only wants to play on the left wing – and he’s scored three.
“I’m made up with him, but what he has to do now is produce that week in, week out.”
Fuller volleyed the Tigers ahead on 13 minutes after Lee Beeson flicked on a Craig Parker long throw.
Clarke then marked his bow with a finish from Beeson’s cross just 24 seconds into the second half.
His second just past the hour was a header from Tommy Treacher’s delivery, while Fuller made it 4-0 with an explosive 25-yard effort that went in off the bar. The scoring was complete 20 minutes from time when Fuller lashed his third into the roof of the net.
The Tigers made a tactical shift to combat Welingborough’s physical approach – and Chand felt it paid dividends for his side.
“We knew they’d be physical,” added the co-boss. “So we tweaked things a little to make sure we played in and around them.
“It really worked and all in all it was a top performance from the lads. We could have scored more, if I’m honest.
“It was great to see Jamie Clarke mark his debut with a couple of goals too. He fitted in really well and is superb with his back to goal.
“We couldn’t be happier with him.”
Holbeach face Harrowby United, one of Graham Drury’s former clubs, at Carter’s Park tomorrow night.
They have absolutely no selection concerns, meaning Chand and Drury have a full squad at their disposal.
17th-placed Harrowby come into the game fresh off the back of a 4-1 loss at Wisbech Town, but Chand won’t be underestimating them.
He added: “It’ll probably feel like a bit of a derby. Graham is from Grantham and used to manage them. He’ll know a lot of their players, and they’ll know him.
“They didn’t have the best time at the weekend, but have picked up a few good results this season. We’ll no be taking them lightly.”
After that match, the Tigers are then without a game until Tuesday, when they travel to St Neots Saints in the UCL Knockout Cup (7.45pm).
Tigers: Conroy, Allen, C Parker, Stevens, Gibson, Steadman (Pinner 68), Duffy, Beeson (Meade 70), Treacher, Clarke (Dube 68), Fuller. Not used: King, Lovelace.
