Holbeach United 0
Peterborough Northern Star 4
Graham Drury was sent off as UCL Premier Division Holbeach slumped to their worst result of the season so far against an inspired Star side on Saturday.
Second-half strikes from Avelino Vieira (49 & 89), Jason Kilbride (90) and Jordan MacLeod (90+4) sentenced the Tigers to only their second defeat of league campaign at Carter’s Park.
The game was a little closer than the scoreline suggests, but the city side were full value for the three points as they avenged their opening day 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Holbeach.
Co-boss Drury saw red after an exchange with the referee while the score was 1-0, with he and fellow chief John Chand left dumbstruck on the sideline.
The first half was nip and tuck, with neither side really seizing control. Jake Gibson twice went close for the hosts, with his second effort a looping header that Tom Roberts did well to hold.
Aaron Preston then blazed a great chance well wide on his left foot after creating a pocket of space for himself, before Nick Conroy was forced to deny a clean through Vieira with an impressive low stop.
Conroy was called back into action soon after with a low save from McLeod’s low drive from the right – and then had to be alert to keep out a snap-shot from the same player minutes later.
Just before the break Jonny Allen had a decent chance to put the Tigers ahead from a corner, but blazed over after stealing in at the back post.
Star began much the better in the second half – and got the opener from an incisive break. The dangerous MacLeod delivered superbly from the right for the prolific Vieira to fire a crisp half-volley into the net from eight yards.
The visitors then enjoyed a period of dominance. Kilbride went within a whisker of making it 2-0 with a curling effort from the edge of the box, while defender Luke Hunnings – who was excellent alongside Jonny Clay in the Star defence – nodded just wide from a free kick with Conroy beaten.
At the other end, Holbeach had claims for a penalty waved away after Jake Duffy was hauled down in the box. It was by no means clear-cut, but you’ve seen them given.
Lee Beeson then worked Roberts with a curling effort that required tipping around the post.
That was as good as it got for the hosts, though, as Star missed a flurry of chances before eventually putting the game to bed.
Vieira headed agonisingly wide after MacLeod collected a Roberts clearance and delivered superbly for the striker, while the striker then flicked over after Luke Avis’ towering header from a corner.
Holbeach threw on three strikers from the bench as they searched for a leveller, but it was Star who wrapped up the win a minute from time. Vieira, who was initially running towards the corner flag, cut back inside to rifle a low drive that went under Conroy and into the net.
Not done there, Star rubbed salt in the Tigers’ wounds when Kilbride slotted number three into the corner and MacLeod tapped home the fourth after Conroy fluffed his clearance.
The scoreline was a little harsh on Holbeach, but it brings them crashing back down to earth with a thud after going more than a month unbeaten.
With Yaxley 3-0 winners at Northampton Sileby, their lead at the top is now just two points ahead of Saturday’s trip to AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
Star, meanwhile, deserved their win and reaffirmed their status as genuine title contenders this season.
Tigers: Conroy, Deeney, Parker, Allen, Stevens (King 68), Steadman (Dube 54), Beeson (Treacher 83), Duffy, Preston, Clarke, Gibson. Not used: Pinner, Cartwright.
Attendance: 122
Saturday’s UCL Premier Division results
AFC Rushden & Diamonds 4 Thurnby Nirvana 1; Boston Town 3 Eynesbury Rovers 5; Harborough Town 0 AFC Kempston Rovers 4; Holbeach United 0 Peterborough Northern Star 4; Northampton Sileby Rangers 0 Yaxley 3; Oadby Town 1 Huntingdon Town 3; Sleaford Town 2 Desborough Town 2; Wisbech Town 3 Wellingborough Town 1.
