The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Darren Jarvis has expressed his disappointment after seeing a controversial injury-time penalty sink Holbeach United in their ChromaSport UCL Premier Division opener on Saturday.
Jake Bettles’ last-gasp spot-kick handed unfancied Desborough Town something of a shock 1-0 success against the title hopefuls – meaning boss Jarvis is still searching for his first away win in the Carter’s Park hotseat.
The ex-Peterborough Northern Star and Blackstones chief does feel that his Tigers did more than enough to grab all three points, making the late sucker-punch tough to take.
Jarvis is also adamant that the penalty shouldn’t have been awarded. Referee Ben Weldon wasn’t interested in the incident, but one of his assistants gave the penalty – leaving the Holbeach bench fuming.
“I’m massively disappointed,” admitted Jarvis. “Not just by the result, but because we created more than enough to win the game.
“Tom Roberts didn’t have much to do in goal and we defended superbly, limiting them to very few chances.
“We also had a number of chances that you’d expect players of the calibre we have here to take.
“We were perhaps a little too direct at times, but we’ll look to remedy that moving forward.
“We did arrive expecting to win. Not because we’re arrogant or over-confident, but because we believe in ourselves.
WELL UP! Jamie Stevens heads clear on Saturday. Photo by STEVE RELF
“I must say, the penalty was a tough decision to take. The referee had a good look at it and waved it away, but the linesman – who was a long way away – decided to stick his flag up. What can you do?
“It’s not an ideal start, but we’ll look to respond quickly. It’s very early days and we’ll not worry too much about the result.”
Holbeach handed debuts to new signings Dan Woods and Harry Limb at Waterworks Field.
Winger Woods, formerly of Moulton Harrox and Pinchbeck United, has signed dual forms with the Tigers, with him also signed on with March Town.
Forward Limb is a talented 16-year-old on Boston United’s books. He’s agreed a loan deal with Holbeach.
Next up for the Tigers is a home date with Sleaford Town tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm).
Tigers: Roberts, Worthington, Ward, Clay, Stevens, Cartwright, King, Law (Limb), Woods (Saebe), Ford, Gosling (Clitheroe). Not used: Maddigan.
Attendance: 55
