Party in the Park as Holbeach United cruise through to set up Vase clash with Rovers

Wodson Park 0
Holbeach United 2

Seb Hayes admitted that his Holbeach United side were very comfortable winners as they progressed to the third round of the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday.

The manager watched on as goals from defender Joe Braithwaite (20) and top scorer Jack Smith (90) secured a 2-0 success at lower-graded Wodson Park.

That set-up a tasty-looking trip to Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division outfit Godmanchester Rovers in the next stage on December 1.

Although Hayes didn’t think his side were at their best at Wodson Park Sports and Leisure Centre, he enjoyed another victory on the road as their Vase run continues to gather pace.

“It was a very scrappy game,” admitted Hayes. “But I thought we were very comfortable, really,

“I’ll be honest, we didn’t play as well as we’re capable of doing. But I don’t think (keeper) Ricky Drury had a save to make all game.

“Wodson Park started the season very well and it looked a tough draw at the time. But they’ve dropped off a bit since and it felt like they were lacking a bit of confidence.

“They were quite direct, but our defence dealt with everything very well.

“In the end, that little bit of extra quality that we have made the difference on the day.

“I feel like we would have scored a few more if we’d upped our performance by 10 per cent, but that doesn’t really matter now.

“The atmosphere on the bus to and from the game was unbelievable, so we’re not too upset at being away again. If anything, we’d have liked an away draw further away than Godmanchester.

“That being said, it’s a tricky draw. Godmanchester are a bit like us, they’re a good club with a loyal fanbase and they’re always there or thereabouts in the league.

“I’ve had the pleasure of managing a few of their players in the past and know what they are capable of.

“It’ll be tough, especially at their place. But we’ll relish the challenge.”

Holbeach’s opener on Saturday came from a great Adam Jackson free-kick, which was headed home by centre back Braithwaite at the back post.

Will Bird went close to doubling the lead before the break, but forced a smart save from the keeper.

Billy Smith and Jackson both saw great strikes narrowly miss the target in the second half, before Jack Smith’s header was somehow tipped over the bar.

The striker did get his goal in added time, however, slotting home after powering his way through the home defence.

Tigers: Drury, Harker, Braithwaite, Clay, T Smith, Whyatt (Stevens 90), Jackson, Barker, Bird (J Smith 68), B Smith (Clarke 90), Ford.