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For the trip to Stalham HOLT UNITED welcomed Billy Edwards and Matthew Sanders back into the starting line up knowing that a win was needed to keep the pressure on the other teams at the top of the table. Holt started with a fresh breeze at their backs and pressed hard from the outset. After going close on a couple of occasions Holt took the lead after twenty minutes when good work from Daniel Peczkwoski was rewarded when he laid the ball to Sanders to finish from ten yards. Edwards was causing the home defence all sorts of problems and as well as almost scoring himself he set up several chances for his team mates with Sanders, Peczkwoski and Philip Durham all going close. Holt were dealt a blow at the beginning of the second period when Durham was unable to continue. He was replaced by David Thompson, with Tom Graver moving wide. Within three minutes of the restart Holt increased their lead. Good interplay on the right and an excellent run and cross from Steven Thompson set up Edwards who in turn gave Thomas Nichols in the home goal no chance from eight yards. Holt continued to dominate play and Edwards was replaced by Toby Blowers on the hour mark. Holt’s third goal was an excellent finish from Peczkwoski. From a good through ball he headed the ball past a defender before running on to it to fire past Nichols from just inside the box. With Jason Hawkins being ably assisted by Tom Graver and David Thompson Holt controlled the midfield and never looked liked surrendering their lead. Blowers almost added a fourth for Holt and only an excellent save from Nichols prevented him. In the dying minutes Stalham scored a consolation goal from a rare error in the Holt defence. Robin Thaxter came on for the last ten minutes in place of the injured Chris English and made one outstanding block in the penalty area when Stalham were pressing hard. Overall this was a competent win in what could have been a tricky fixture. Holt must now look forward to their next match, away to Sprowston Wanderers, where they will need another victory to keep the pressure on the top sides.
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