Holt Utd 2 Stalham Town 3

A fine fightback proved to be in vain on Saturday as Holt slipped to another defeat in Division One of the Anglian Combination.

The Owls turned in an fine display as they recovered from two goals down at the break to level the scores – but it was Stalham who had the final say, with Lawrence Cheese completing his hat-trick to secure all three points.

Although the weather had been atrocious the Holt pitch was playable for a match against a side who started the day one point above the hosts with games in hand due to a cup run.

Holt were without Kevin Moore and Matt Warnes but Dan Fuller and Gavin Neale were back in the side and there was a change of goalkeeper with Liam Davies coming in.

Stalham started well with two first half goals from the clinical Cheese. Matt Hudson, Chris Fuller and Josh Clark had some lovely link up play in the first half and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Holt started the second half on the front foot as a Hudson pass across the box went to Chris Fuller who sent a curling shot past the keeper. Fuller quickly added a second goal to make it 2-2 but although Holt saw most of the ball they were unable to take the lead.

Later in the half Stalham went in front through a Cheese heaer after an unneccessary free-kick had been given away outside the box.

Holt were gutted at the outcome of the match and felt they had done enough to gain a result. Their heads did not go down and they played the football they are capable of without getting any reward.

Holt are a young side who are still learning to play together but they need to start putting results together to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

With the league so tight they know a few wins could see them move up the table quickly and they will be aiming to start the ball rolling on Saturday when they visit a Long Stratton side who have struggled the past two weeks against Harleston and Hellesdon.

Holt Reserves are at home to Attleborough Town Reserves in Anglian Combination Division Five.