Brandon Town 3, Holt United 1FOR their tough-looking league match Holt were missing six members of the first team squad. After three consecutive defeats this was the last thing manager Jason Hawkins wanted.

Brandon Town 3, Holt United 1

FOR their tough-looking league match Holt were missing six members of the first team squad.

After three consecutive defeats this was the last thing manager Jason Hawkins wanted. On the bench he had two 16-year-olds. The home side had their own problems and they went into the game with only one sub.

On a good playing surface Holt for once started well. A good shot from Hawkins was saved by Corston. Soon after a good through ball from Steven Thompson found young Matthew Hudson, whose shot went just over.

Against the run of play Town went in front on 22 minutes. Holt had already been troubled by Corston's long goal kicks. They did not heed the warning and from another huge kick a mistake in the penalty area allowed Waites an easy chance that he dispatched past Justyn Goff.

The Owls continued to play the better football and for a second time Hudson very nearly scored.

On 43 minutes Goff had to make a fine blocking save from Wright to stop Brandon going further in front. Right on half-time Holt were rewarded for a fine first 45 minutes when a great cross from Steven Thompson was headed powerfully past Corston by Kevin Moore.

Straight from the start of the second period Holt had a great chance to hit the front, but when well-placed Hudson failed to find an unmarked Moore.

Five minutes later Hudson broke clear of the home defence but dragged his shot wide. It was all Holt and a third chance came but Moore's fine shot was tipped onto the bar by Corston.

On 62 minutes Holt were punished when, from a nothing ball, a penalty was conceded from which Brandon regained the advantage.

Holt brought on Tom Walton and Jamie Crimson for the hard-working Matthew Sanders and Hudson as they chased the game. But this left them exposed at the back which allowed Brandon to score the vital third goal.

Hawkins commented that he was pleased with the team's display but hugely disappointed with the result. He added that if the team continue to play with the desire they showed for the 90 minutes, the results hopefully will change.

The spirit in the club is first class which was shown in the clubhouse afterwards before the bus journey home. Thanks to Brandon FC and their managers Paul Wright and Goeff Hall for their after match hospitality and jugs of beer.

On Saturday, Holt are away for the fourth game in a row, at Sprowston Athletic 2pm.