Missed chances cost lowly Owls

Holt United 0, Hindringham 3

IN their bid to beat the drop, Holt United turned on a dismal performance in front of a large crowd, to go down to fellow strugglers Hindringham.

To add to their woes and shocking discipline record, they also had another player sent off. Both sides looked nervous at the start. For the visitors, Gray had a chance, but spurned it.

Holt came close to taking the lead when Toby Blowers broke through, but he was denied by a fine piece of defending.

Colm McGilway broke into the box, his goalbound shot taking a deflection and going for a corner. A mix up in the Holt defence allowed Gray an opportunity, but from a narrow angle he shot into the side netting.

With half-time fast approaching Hindringham hit the front.

In the first five minutes of the second half, the Owls had two chances to draw level, but were not taken. The visitors made them pay by adding a second goal. With frustration taking over, Holt's play began to get very ragged.

With 10 minutes left they had a final chance to get back into the match when a great cross from Martin Folds - who had just come on as sub - was headed goalwards by Matthew Sanders from close range, but Osler kept it out, conceding a corner but to everyone's amazement the referee awarded a goal kick.

To rub salt into the wound, Hindringham went up the other end and scored a third goal. Soon after, Toby Blowers was sent off for being shown two yellow cards.

Hindringham deserved their three points, as from the first whistle they wanted it more than Holt did. Holt now lick their wounds before they take on Watton at the Sports Centre on Tuesday.

Holt United are pleased that they have been chosen to host the Anglian Combination Reserve Knockout Cup final between Acle United Res and Sprowston Athletic Reserves. It is a reward for the club, who have striven to make Holt Sport Centre a venue that is worthy to host such events.

It is a reward for everybody at the club who works so hard behind the scenes.