Hindringham 2 Holt United 0

Holt United made the short journey to Hindringham to open the year with a local derby.

The Owls were coming off two convincing wins and Hindringham had only played two matches in the last six weeks because of the poor weather. Shane Vertigan had recently taken over as their manager.

Holt knew the pitch would be sticky and were expecting a hard fought physical match. They had a late call-off from skipper Gavin Neal and started newly signed keeper Tom Harvey.

Michael Bentley pulled up in the warm-up with an injury which limited the options.

Sloppy play was evident early in the match as neither team was able to hold possession.

Towards the middle of the first half Hindringham broke through the right and slotted a difficult angled shot past Harvey.

Holt could not get their attack started as every time Chris Fuller received the ball he seemed to be grabbed by the Hindringham defenders.

The second half started much the same with Hindringham winning the physical battles. At about the 60th minute Hindringham won a penalty which was confidently converted and Holt were unable to turn the match around.

The visitors turned in a disappointing performance. Once they were up against it they tried playing it long to Fuller which is not their game. Unfortunately, the calls were not going their way, but that should not be an excuse.

Hindringham played with greater intensity and were on the front foot most of the match and deserved the three points. Holt will certainly need to show some improvement when they entertain league leaders Norwich CEYMS on Saturday.

Holt Reserves came away with three points against Watton Reserves as new reserve manager Shane Clark took the reigns from Eden Rudling. Eden will continue with other duties at the club.

Goals were scored by newly signed Dave Coyle and Garry Thompson.