Harborough Town 1
Holbeach United 5
Graham Drury admitted that Saturday was a good day for Holbeach United in the UCL Premier Division title race as they romped to a comfortable victory at Harborough.
Doubles from Lee Dube (31 and 62) and Jamie Clarke (35 and 40) – plus a Lee Beeson stunner (45) – helped the Tigers come from behind at Bowden’s Park following Ben Williams’ opener (30).
That, coupled with draws for title rivals AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Yaxley and Huntingdon Town, moved second-placed Holbeach to within a point of the summit.
Although he’s not making too much of Saturday’s results, co-boss Drury was pleased to see the tide turn the way of the Tigers.
He said: “We started a little bit flat on Saturday. Nick Conroy gifted them the first goal – but to be fair it served as a blessing in disguise.
“Going behind was the kick up the backside we needed. The tempo wasn’t really up to the level we’d expect and I thought we had played poorly for half an hour.
“We got into our stride after they went ahead though and in the end it was pretty comfortable if I’m honest.
“We scored some lovely goals too. Lee Beeson’s was an absolutely cracking team goal, while both Jamie Clarke and Lee Dube had great games.
“Dube was asked to do a job on the right wing and I thought he did really well.
“Credit to Harborough, though. They didn’t stop running and have clearly got a great future project there.
“But it was a good day for us. It’s a marathon not a sprint, but it’s always great to have a weekend where things go your way. As long as we’re in the mix at Christmas we’ll be very happy.”
Nothing but a win was expected of Holbeach, who went into the game some 24 points clear of their relegation-threatened hosts.
An upset briefly looked on the cards when an uncharacteristic error from keeper Conroy allowed Williams to break the deadlock on the half-hour.
However, the Tigers’ top scorer Dube instantly headed his side level – and four minutes later hitman Clarke put the visitors ahead.
The impressive Clarke then took his tally for the season to eight goals in as many games with his second of the afternoon from a corner to make it 3-1 on 40 minutes.
Not content with that, Beeson buried the goal of the game – and his seventh of the campaign – on the brink of half time following a top team move.
Dube’s ninth of the season just past the hour completed a good day at the office for the Tigers, who have now won three of their last four.
Meanwhile, Holbeach are expected to ring the changes for tonight’s (Tuesday) Lincs FA Senior Trophy semi-final at Deeping Rangers (7.45pm).
Drury has confirmed that the Tigers will prioritise Saturday’s FA Vase clash with Huntingdon Town at Carter’s Park (3pm) and will give a number or regulars a rest with that in mind.
Tigers: Conroy, Allen (Warfield 70), Cartwright, Miller, Spencer (Brown 25), Beeson, Duffy, Steadman, Dube, Clarke (Keeble 63), King.
Attendance: 57
