Cogenhoe United 0
Holbeach United 3
In-form Lee Beeson helped himself to a hat-trick as Holbeach United earned their first UCL Premier Division win at rivals Cogenhoe United in 12 years.
The winger notched the opener direct from a corner on 51 minutes at Compton Park, before making it 2-0 11 minutes from time with a stunning solo strike.
Beeson then completed his treble six minutes from time to end Holbeach’s hoodoo at a notoriously tricky venue on the final Saturday before Christmas.
Co-Tigers chief John Chand, who handed a debut to striker Matty Nolan after his move from St Neots Town, had nothing but praise for his charges.
He said: “It was a very good performance. You know it’s always going to be tough at Cogenhoe.
“The conditions were against us in the first half, so when we came in level I was hopeful we’d get a result.
“Lee Beeson in particular was excellent after the break. He showed us a gear that nobody knew he had with that second goal, he absolutely ripped the defence to shreds.
“I hope he’s given a hat-trick, his corner was certainly going in before the keeper got a hand to it.
“I didn’t actually realise that we’d not won here in all that time. It’s always nice to end records like that.
“Cogenhoe are a very good side and will be up there come the end of the season. So we have to be very happy.”
Holbeach had a few worries in the warm-up, with both Stacy Cartwright and Craig Parker picking up injuries that ruled them out of the starting 11.
After a goalless first period, Beeson broke the deadlock with a corner that was helped into the net by Cooks’ keeper Olly Urquhart.
His second goal was the pick of the bunch, as he picked the ball up on the half way line and ran past numerous defenders – using the run of Nolan as a decoy before slotting home.
Sub Gary King then won a late penalty allowing the winger to round off his treble from the spot.
Chand added: “I thought Gary King made a big impact when he came on.
“His playing time has been limited, but he’s got the right attitude and really changed the game for us. I really rate him, he’s working hard.”
Next up for Holbeach is tricky home test against Wisbech Town on Boxing Day (3pm). The Fenmen are bossed by ex-Tigers chief Dick Creasey and could have former favourite Tommy Treacher in their starting line-up.
Tigers: Conroy, Allen, Brown, Spencer, Miller, Steadman (King), Beeson, Duffy, Clarke, Nolan, Warfield (Dube). Not used: Cartwright, Parker.
Att: 40.
MOTM: Beeson.
