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(League)
UEA (3) v (2) Holt Reserves
After producing some good results in previous weeks, Holt now had the hard challenge of facing a very good UEA side. UEA are another new team to come into Division 6 after pulling out of the league in a previous season. In previous seasons the UEA have managed to get to the Junior Cup final in consecutive seasons. This showing that they are a threat to any team with a full side and no University breaks. Unfortunately for Holt this seemed to be the case and had to play them when they are starting to pick up results and winning with ease. Holt had a deflated squad from the week before, missing 4 players who started against Martham Reserves. However players were drafted in from the First and A Team. From the kick-off Holt were always chasing shadows and UEA were passing the ball round the Holt players for fun. It was not long before they broke the deadlock, a mix up between the Holt defender and goalkeeper led to the goal. Holt carried on battling a much better side and had a couple of half chances, but never tested the keeper. UEA played the ball around the whole team, which was finally played through the Holt's back four and was neatly finished. Holt never give up in any game and finally got something for their hard work. Holt scoring again from a corner, which has proved to be a dangerous utility in Holt's game. The corner taken by Daniel Rouse, who found Micky Thompson's head. This forcing the UEA keeper into his first save, which was parried out and Richard Hooker was the quickest to react and chipped the ball over the oncoming sliding defenders. Another goal to add to his tally. Just when Holt started to have more play and were testing UEA resilience, the half-time whistle went. Holt could not really complain about how things were going and if anything were happy to be only one goal adrift. The only complaint was to close the players down quicker and keep tight, to stop UEA's talented players. Chris Cude also made a sub at half-time, making a straight swap, Daniel Nair was the Holt player to make way and on came Luke Williamson, who has been in fine form for the A Team. Holt used the mangers words wisely and were closing UEA's players down much quicker and started to stop them playing. A bad decision led to UEA's third goal, with Micky Thompson having his shirt pulled back, allowing the striker to break through. Vince Peart made another great save to add to his collection, only to see the ball land to a UEA player, who had the easiest of finishes. Holt once again battled on, showing great team spirit and the will to get something out of the game. Holt scored again from another set piece, this time a free kick. Gavin Sheridan placed the ball right in the mix of things and Chris Cude was the player to get on the end of it, making things very interesting going into the last 25 minutes. Another change was forced to be made, when Adam Smart picked up a nasty ankle injury. Robert Rust-Andrews took up his place down the left and worked hard for the team. Holt had two great chances to draw level, with time against them. The first a delicate chip by Daniel Rouse, who beat the keeper only to see it go agonizing wide. The other saw Bret Squire running between two defenders using his strength, only for his shot to be well saved. The final score finished 3-2 to UEA, who deserved the win and if they keep the side they had for the match, will surely be seeking promotion. Holt battled hard and must be rewarded with the work rate, knowing they were mainly second best throughout the match. Mark Page had a good game filling in at right back and Holt's two center half's (Thompson/Sheridan) looked a great partnership again. Man of the match was Gavin Sheridan, who just edged it, with the will to win.
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