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Holt Reserves (3) v Wymondham Town Reserves (3)
This was Holt's first cup match of the season and were handed a tough drawn against division four side Wymondham. Holt were feeling confident after winning their last two league games, but knew this would be their toughest challenge yet, against higher opposition. Holt welcomed back Vince Peart in goal and Dan Turner made his debut for the reserves by getting a place on the bench. The game started with a frantic pace about it and Holt had to adjust quickly. Holt did so and looked much sharper with their passing and tackling from their previous game. Both teams were playing some neat, tidy football. Unfortunately it was Wymondham who took first blood. The goal coming from a Holt defender dwelling on the ball for to long and getting caught out, leaving the Wymondham player through on goal and giving Peart no chance. Holt had been in this position far to many times before to just crumble like a biscuit dunked in tea. Holt got their equalizer from a corner kick, which was taken by Daniel Rouse. The ball zipped in low and hard, for Leigh Wells to flick in. The game upped in pace once again, but it was Holt's turn to see how Wymondham would cope under the pressure of being a goal down. This goal will be hard to beat, with half the Holt team involved. The ball being past around Holt players, with brilliant speed and accuracy, giving Wymondham no chance to get a tackle in. Richard Hooker was the man in the right place at the right time to finish the move off. Holt knew the next goal was important and the game was very stretched, with the ball going back and forth like a table tennis match. Wymondham were awarded a dubious penalty, when Adam Smith supposedly brought down a Wymondham player. Peart tried his best to put the penalty taker off, with some friendly chit-chat, but it was not to be and the half time score was all even at 2-2. Holt only had positive things to say at half time and the manager Chris Cude wanted to see the same in the second half. Early on in the second half Micky Thompson (sick-note) had to come off with another injury and was replaced by Mark Page. Smith was moved into center half and Page took his place at right back. Both sides were pushing for a third goal and either side could have done so. However another twist in the tale saw Wymondham gain the lead, with a looping cross to the back post, allowing a unmarked midfield runner to come in and strike home. Cude made another change by taking off Marty Alford for Turner, who went upfront and Wells dropped in left wing. Holt were desperately running out of time and started to chuck as many players forward as they could. Just when they thought it was all over, Hooker scored one of his trademark headers to force the game into extra time. Anyone would have thought Holt had just won the F.A. Cup with their celebrations, but rightly so. Holt wanted the win and reshuffled once again. This time Adam Smart and Wells swapping positions. Both teams started to show their heavy legs, with the fatigue setting in and some players even going down with cramp. Neither side could get the winner and forced the game to be decided by the luck of the footballing God's, PENALTIES! Skipper Smart stepped up first and sent the keeper the wrong way, only to shoot inches wide (0-1). Rouse was next and showed how it should be done (1-2). Bret Squire was third in line and kept the score tight (2-3). Turner was feeling confident about taking one and showed why. Wymondham missed their forth and made it sudden death (3-3). Manger Cude stepped up into the pressure cooker, only to have his saved and Wymondham scoring (3-4). Holt were devastated to take a division four side all the way, only to blow it on penalties. However Holt knew they had done well all game and proved what a force they can be this year. Hooker was man of the match, with two good goals and looking solid at the back.
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