Holbeach United 2
Desborough Town 1
Ashley Fuller fired a dramatic late winner as Holbeach United kept their perfect start to the new UCL Premier Division going with a battling win on Saturday.
Lee Beeson’s 34th minute blockbuster gave the Tigers a half-time lead in their first home game of the new season, only for Desborough to grab an unlikely leveller through Dave Goodman (67).
It looked like the hosts would have to settle for a point after that, but Fuller hammered home an 87th minute winner after a smart one-two with Tommy Treacher to make it two wins from as many games for title favourites Holbeach.
As in last week’s 6-1 victory at Peterborough Northern Star, the Tigers were slow out of the blocks against a more defensive-minded Desborough unit.
They did have an early sniff of goal when Danny Spencer tested Richard Lavin with a left-footed drive, but there wasn’t much fluency about their play.
Both Beeson and Gary King also had attempts on goal, but it wasn’t until the 25 minute mark that the hosts really sliced Ar Tarn open. It came from a corner, with Spencer smashing Beeson’s low delivery against the angle of post and bar.
With the away side seemingly content to stifle Holbeach, it was always going to take something special to break the deadlock – and boy did Beeson deliver.
The winger cut in from the left and unleashed a fierce 20-yard drive that left a sprawling Lavin with absolutely no chance. That’s two goals in as many games for the ex-Spalding United winger.
Beeson almost doubled his money just before the break, but he could only head wide of the near post after being picked out by a dangerous Jake Gibson delivery.
Holbeach looked intent on adding to their lead early in the second period, with Fuller going within a whisker of picking out the top corner from fully 30 yards.
Midfield maestro Jake Duffy also fired a presentable opportunity over from just inside the box, while King forced a smart stop from Lavin as he tried to apply the finishing touch to a swift break instigated by strike partner Spencer.
The longer they failed to wrap the game up, the more frustrated Holbeach became – and Desborough capitalised on that with a shock equaliser.
In what was their only genuine chance of the game, Goodman expertly guided a glancing header into the top corner of Nick Conroy’s net from a corner on the right.
As is often the case, the leveller actually gave the Tigers a shot in the arm. They were unlucky not to go back ahead when King failed to force the ball over the line at the back post, while sub Tommy Treacher volleyed a half-chance over moments after coming on.
Striker Treacher then nodded a better opportunity over following an expert Beeson free kick, as the clock continued to run down.
You always sensed Holbeach had another goal in them, though. It duly came three minutes from time from the slickest of counter-attacks.
King pinged a delicious half-volley pass to Fuller, who beat a man and passed to Treacher. The striker swiftly returned the ball to Fuller, who rifled a cross-shot into the far corner via a Desborough boot on the line.
It was no more than John Chand and Graham Drury’s side deserved, though there is clearly much more to come from a side that are still getting to know each other.
A tougher test awaits on Wednesday night, when Deeping Rangers roll into town. The South Lincolnshire duo are two of only three sides to have six points on the board.
Holbeach: Conroy, Allen, Gibson, Pinner (Steadman 76), Parker, Stevens, Beeson, Duffy (Delahoy 90), Spencer (Treacher 71), King, Fuller. Not used: Lovelace, Elliott.
Saturday’s UCL Premier Division results: AFC Kempston Rovers 0 Boston Town 2; Deeping Rangers 2 Long Buckby AFC 0; Harrowby United2 Wellingborough Town 0; Holbeach United2 Desborough Town 1; Newport Pagnell Town 0 Peterborough Northern Star 2; Oadby Town 1 Eynesbury Rovers 3; Thurnby Nirvana3 Cogenhoe United 1; Yaxley 3 Northampton Sileby Rangers 0.
