Owls respond to Hawkins

Holt United 4, Loddon United 1

Great credit must go to manager Jason Hawkins who has brought a togetherness to the whole Holt club since he took charge.

At home to second-placed Loddon United, Holt went into the game without the services of McGilway, O Brien, Sanders and David Thompson.

Making his first start of the season in goal was Justyn Goff.

The early stages of the match were very poor with the ball being constantly put out of play. Neither team really had an excuse, as conditions were just about perfect.

The home side very nearly took the lead when Steven Thompson headed just wide from a right wing corner. He soon made amends when from the next corner he headed in his first goal of the season.

Unfortunately, he left the field soon after feeling ill and was replaced by Luke Williamson.

On 32 minutes Holt increased their lead. A flowing move saw the ball fall to the feet of Toby Blowers who shot past the helpless Collins in the Loddon goal.

Two soon turned into three when Blowers sent in a rasping shot that rebounded off the crossbar and over the line. After consulting the linesman the referee Mr Griffiths awarded the goal.

With half-time fast approaching, the visitors pulled a goal back with a header.

As in the first 45 minutes Holt were looking much the sharper of the two teams winning most loose balls. As he has since he joined the club Mark Lindon-Ball was having an excellent game, as was his fellow full-back Chris English.

Midway through the half the Owls sealed the win when Williamson put Blowers in the clear where he slotted the ball into the corner of the net to complete his hat-trick.

He very nearly notched a fourth but his close-range effort came back of the post.

Young Matthew Hudson came on for Kevin Moore as Holt continued to press forward. Although they were to score no more goals this was a great display from the whole team.

On Saturday Holt are at home to Hempnall (kick-off 2.30pm).