The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Holbeach United 1 Loughborough University 0
Michael Frew’s second-half goal fired Holbeach United to their second KitmanUK Knockout Cup final is as many years as they beat much-fancied Loughborough University 1-0 on Saturday.
Frontman Frew struck with about 20 minutes of the Carter’s Park semi-final remaining as the Tigers expertly nullified a team that thrashed them 5-0 on the opening day of the season.
Holbeach, beaten by double-winners Daventry Town in last year’s final, will meet fellow UCL Premier Division side Rothwell Corinthians at Blackstones’ ALH Recruitment Stadium in this year’s showpiece.
Rothwell stunned Deeping Rangers 3-1 in the other semi, which leaves Hussey’s men as favourites for the final.
However, the boss refused to be drawn on that – instead praising the efforts of his team on Saturday.
“I stand by what I’ve said about Loughborough,” said Hussey. “I’ve seen everyone but Shepshed this year and Loughborough are the best team we’ve played.
“We wanted the game to be a bit of a shock to their system and we wanted the pitch to be as bad as it could be to nullify their style.
“I think that, coupled with our tactic of going much more direct and attempting to win the ball back high up the pitch, were the reasons we were able to win.
“It was ugly, but I think we deserved the win on the day. I can’t recollect (keeper) Ricky Drury making a meaningful save all day, while we had a few chances.
“I thought Frew and Lockie would always be a problem with their pace and so it proved, with ‘Frewy’ getting the winner.
“We’re obviously delighted to get to the final again and want to win it this year.
“It was a surprise to see Deeping Rangers lose to Rothwell in the other semi, but I’m really pleased for Mitch Austin (Rothwell manager).
“They are a good side. We’re probably favourites at the moment, but there’s no reason why they can’t finish above us this year. It’ll be a tough final.”
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, T Smith, Fairweather, N Jackson, Tinkler, A Jackson, J Smith, Adams, Frew, Lockie. Subs used: Bird, Ford, Withers. Not used: Kirk, Setchell.
Attendance: 88.
