The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Selston 3 Holbeach United 2
Danny Clifton admitted that he “struggled to sleep” on Saturday night after his battling Holbeach United side were edged out 3-2 by relegation rivals Selston on Saturday.
A Carl Moore double gave hosts Selston a 2-0 half-time lead, but Cameron Gow and Alis Hallaci both got their first goals for the Tigers to make it 2-2 with 20 minutes left.
However, Ben Moore grabbed a winner 12 minutes from time to leave winless Holbeach 12 points from safety – and their hopes of survival in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North are fading.
Clifton looked back on a huge chance the Tigers fashioned 30 seconds before the Selston winner as the game’s key moment.
Lewis Baughan, who was excellent again, beat a number of players before squaring for strike partner Josh Hales on the penalty spot, but he scuffed his effort straight at the keeper.
“The game hinged on that minute,” admitted Clifton. “If Josh had scored – which he would nine times out of ten – we’d have won the game.
“We were absolutely dominant at that point and, instead of being 3-2 up, we’re 3-2 down.
“I’ll be honest, I’m gutted and the lads were devastated. I couldn’t get to sleep on Saturday night, I just kept seeing that chance in my head.
“Now the dust has settled, I can look at the positives. We played very well on the day.
“Luke Chester, Sam Carter and Harvey Wirkowski came into the side and were superb. They were all here before me and I’m delighted they’ve given me a chance.
“Obviously losing to the side just above us saps the confidence and makes you wonder if we can beat anybody. But the lads deserve credit for their performance.”
Tigers: Blake, Wilson, Chester, Nuttell, Carter, Dalliday, Wirkowski, Warrington, Gow, Baughan, Hales. Subs used: Bedar, Hallaci.
Attendance: 78
