Forwards fire Holbeach United to first UCL win of the season

Goals from strikers Josh Ford and Andrew Tidswell fired Holbeach United to their first win of the new ChromaSport UCL Premier Division season on Wednesday night.

The pair struck in the second half as the Tigers saw off Lincolnshire rivals Sleaford Town 2-0 at Carter’s Park, as they put Saturday’s disappointing Desborough defeat behind them.

Holbeach had to wait until the 71st minute to break the deadlock, when frontman Ford both won and converted a penalty to open his competitive account for the club.

Player/coach Tidswell then wrapped up the points four minutes from time when he collected a cross from sub Jake Clitheroe and fired into the net.

The first half was a largely drab affair, with neither side on top. The best opening fell to Ford, who forced Sleaford stopper Phil McGann into a save after being released by strike partner Tidswell.

That continued after the break, with neither side making their mark on the game until the closing stages.

Then came the penalty, which was conceded by former Holbeach loanee Corey Newman. Master marksman Ford wasn’t about to pass up on the opportunity and he buried his spot-kick low to the McGann’s right.

Gary King was unlucky not to add to the home lead when he’s curling effort was tipped over the bar, before the hosts clinched the points late on.

Clitheroe, on for the injured Andy Law, worked some magic down the right and cut the ball back for Tidswell, who swivled well before converted a low strike into the net.

Former Tiger Liam Tunstall headed Sleaford best opening over a few minutes later, before Tidswell almost made it 3-0 with a trademark free kick in the dying seconds.

Next up for Holbeach is a home clash with Ely City in the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm).

Tigers: Roberts, Worthington, Ward, Pinner, Clay, Stevens, King, Cartwright (Madigan), Ford (Limb), Tidswell, Law (Clitheroe). Not used: Saebe, Gosling.

• In the ChromaSport Peterborough League, Long Sutton Athletic romped to their first win under Danny Goddard as they crushed South Holland rivals Moulton Harrox Reserves 4-0.

Dom Goddard smashed a hat-trick for the Magpies in the Division One clash at Broad Lane, while Sam Moses rounded off the round.

Also in Division One, Sutton Bridge United were handed a 3-2 reverse at Wisbech Town Reserves. Matt Easton and Jamie Griffin got their goals at The Elgoods Fenland Stadium.

There was better news for Spalding United Reserves, who got their first win of the season with a 2-1 triumph over Stamford Lions at the Sir Halley.

Jamie Cartlidge and Mark Lovelace netted for the Tulips.

Wednesday’s results

ChromaSport UCL Premier Division: Holbeach Utd 2 Sleaford Town 0.

ChromaSport Peterborough League: Premier Division: Netherton United 2 Peterborough Sports Reserves 3; Sawtry 1 AFC Stanground 0.

Division One: Spalding United Reserves 2 Stamford Lions 1; Wisbech Town Reserves 3 Sutton Bridge United 2; Baston 4 Wittering 2; Langtoft United Res 2 Stamford Belvedere 3; Moulton Harrox Reserves 0 Long Sutton Athletic 4; Peterborough ICA Sports Res 0 Whittlesey Athletic Res 1.