Physical Cogenhoe ‘too strong’ for Holbeach United but Hussey felt a defeat was harsh

Cogenhoe United 3
Holbeach United 2

Danny Hussey admits that his Holbeach United side were out-muscled by physical hosts Cogenhoe United on Saturday.

The Cooks came from behind to beat Holbeach 3-2 in a ding-dong Future Lions UCL Premier Division clash at Compton Park on Saturday, with boss Hussey offering few excuses.

Matt Long nodded the home side into a 20th-minute lead, only for speedy striker Jonny Lockie to level 60 seconds later with an angled drive.

A 20-yard screamer from Lockie into the top corner then gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead early in the second period, but that was as good as it got for the men from Carter’s Park.

That’s because a Josh Melling header (65) and Montel Dore’s (69) steered finish quickly turned the game on its head and secured all three points for Cogenhoe.

Hussey, who did see a few positives, admitted that his charges came up short.

He said: “We did quite well at times and were flying at one point.

“But I think the main problem we faced was the sheer size of the Cogenhoe team – they all seemed to be six foot plus.

“We’ve got quite a young and small side and there wasn’t much that we could do, if I’m honest.

“With Joe Braithwaite missing, we lacked a physical presence really and they really bullied us from set-pieces.

“The third goal even came back off the referee and fell nicely for them, as they scored from the following phase of play.

“For me, a point would probably have been fair reflection of the game.

“Obviously Lockie’s two goals were the positive, it was great to see him on the scoresheet and he looked really lively and took his goals well.

“Adam Jackson also did well and Spencer Tinkler stepped in to centre back very well.

“I think we’ll probably need to look at bringing a few physical players in moving forward.

“There are players out there that are big and strong, but can play a bit too. We seem to struggle against the bigger teams and it’s something that needs addressing in the summer.”

Tigers: Drury, Harker, T Smith, Avis, Clay, Jackson, Bird, Tinkler, Lockie, Davies, B Smith. Subs: Ford, Tricks, Hamilton.

Attendance: 53.