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Holt Reserves (0) v (2) Poringland Wanderers Reserves
After losing to a very strong UEA side, by the odd goal the week before. Holt were feeling quietly confident against a Poringland side, who seem to be struggling for results in the league. Holt had four players returning into the squad after missing last weeks game, for various reasons (Graver, C. Hopper, B. Hopper and Smith). Adam Smart was out injured and manager Chris Cude stepped down as a player, due to how many players were available to him. This was no doubt Holt’s strongest team to date, showing with Smith, B. Hopper and returning from injury Gravenor on the bench. The game was very scrappy from the start and Holt had some great players on display, but this is a team sport and Holt had to many individuals trying to do to much. Holt had a few chances in the first half to score past Poringland, only to see the keeper pull of some good saves. Squire the Holt player looking most likely to score. His first attempt, sweetly hitting a half volley in the area, maybe hitting it to cleanly, straight at the keeper. The second attempt saw Squire break down the right flank and then cutting in, taking the shot, only to find the side netting. If he had looked up, Long and Rouse were both well placed for an easy tap in. Poringland always looked more up for the game and after the Holt defenders failed to clear the ball in their area, Poringland took a pot shot, which went through a crowd of players and found the back of the net. At half time Cude called in his players, to try and motivate them for a must win game if Holt want to be serious contenders for promotion. The second half saw much of the same, with Holt under performing in the final two thirds of the pitch. Poringland to their credit did not sit back and try to hold on to what they had. They were always pushing for a second goal. Cude decided to change things around half way through the second half. Hooker, Rouse and Longy were all eventually taken of at different stages. This also had no effect on how Holt were playing and with time running out and Holt running out of ideas, it was no surprise to see Poringland counter attack and scoring a good second goal, lobbing the out rushing Peart. The game was finished and no disrespect to a Poringland side, but Holt knew with the team they had, they should of won, but underperformed. No player deserves man of the match and things need to be put right, with Holt facing a very strong side in Freethorpe, in the Junior Cup on Saturday.
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