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Holt Reserves (4) v Reepham Reserves (2)
Holt's first league match of the season was against local rivals Reepham under the lights. Holt had everything in place for the game, only to be let down by certain players, who did not turn up. Holt had to start with ten players, although James Medlar was on the bench. Holt started with Richard Hooker in goal, while waiting for emergency keeper Robin Thaxter to help us out. However Holt were well up for the game and scored in the first couple of minutes. Daniel Rouse the scorer, who took the ball round the keeper and calmly slotted home from an acute angle. Robin Thaxter and David Thompson turned up to the relief of manager Chris Cude. Holt now had eleven players, with Robin Thaxter in goal, pushing Richard Hooker to center defense. This should have been an advantage for Holt, but it did not prevent Reepham equalising from a cross, which was headed in at the back post. It was Reepham who started to turn the screw and got their second goal, from a good run from their forward, who left two defenders for dead and gave the keeper no chance. Holt replied quickly and Daniel Rouse was blatantly brought down in the penalty area. He got up, brushed himself down and took the penalty. The keeper got a hand to it, but it was far to hot to handle and hit the back of the net. At half time the scores were leveled at two all. Holt were determined to win the second half and it showed. David Thompson was on for his brother Michael Thompson, who had to go with a bad knock to his head. The defense now looked as strong as ever and Reepham could not get through. Holt dominated the whole second half, with Robin Thaxter not having to make one save. Holt kept on applying the pressure and were awarded when Richard Hooker scored near the front post. Holt kept their nerves and were pushing for another goal to kill the game. Bret Squire and Chris Hopper played their hearts out all game in midfield. Chris Cude came off and on came the experienced James Medlar, who pushed Adam Smart to left wing. With Adam Smith, James Medlar and David Thompson in defense Reepham were never going to score. In the last ten minutes Holt were awarded a free kick. Adam Smart stepped up to take it and put in an inch perfect cross, right on the penalty spot, for Lee Wells to bring down and scramble it across the line. The game was now killed and Holt deserved the win, with all the play in the second half. A very good team effort, with many players shining throughout. However man of the match goes to Bret Squire who worked his cotton socks off all game!
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