WINNER! Billy Smith notched twice for Holbeach. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY

Saturday football: Smith stunner seals Tigers win, Pinchbeck held in derby and Tulips beaten

A dramatic late strike from Billy Smith gave Holbeach United a 2-1 win over Wellingborough Town in Danny Hussey’s first game as boss on Saturday, while Pinchbeck United were held 1-1 by Boston Town and Spalding United lost 2-1 at Sheffield FC.

Starting at Carter’s Park, the Tigers came from behind to register victory in Hussey’s Future Lions UCL Premier Division dugout debut.

After a goalless first period, James Lea fired Wellingborough into the lead after an assist from Justin Dowling, but Smith soon levelled after expertly converting a cross.

That’s how it stayed up until the final moments, when Smith unleashed a long range screamer into the top corner to give Holbeach all three points.

The win moves fifth-placed Holbeach to within two points of Pinchbeck in fourth.

That’s after the Knights could only manage to take a point from their derby with lowly Boston at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

The visitors took an early lead, but defender Nick Jackson – a former Poachers player – levelled matters just before the break.

Pinchbeck had chances to win the game, but found away keeper Travis Portas in fine form.

Meanwhile, Spalding are just one point above the foot in 18th place in Evo-Stik NPL Easton Division after defeat at Sheffield.

The prolific Marc Newsham put the hosts ahead at the break, but Leon Mettam levelled matters in the second period.

However, Sheffield went back ahead immediately through debutant Ted Cribley – and that’s how it stayed.

Elsewhere, Tydd beat Holbeach Reserves 2-1 in an all-South Holland clash in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division.

Long Sutton picked up a 3-3 draw with Peterborough Polonia at London Road, while Sutton Bridge went down 3-0 at home to high-flying Netherton United.

All results to follow.

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