A devastating five-goal burst in just 23 minutes helped Holbeach United to a spectacular away success on Saturday.
The five-star victory came against the odds for the Tigers who defied a lengthy injury and suspension list to return from Chestnut Avenue with all three points.
Such was the extent of their unavailabilities that goalkeeper Rick Drury played outfield while Tigers stalwart Dean Elston rolled back the years at the heart of the Holbeach defence.
Holbeach had started on the back foot as Jake Sansby went close for the home side before Jake Mason had a shot charged down.
The home side then took a 26th minute lead as Jezz Goldson-Williams saw his header hit the post and fall for Mason to scramble home the rebound.
Star’s lead lasted just seven minutes though as Holbeach hit a purple patch in front of the home goal.
Zak Munton got them back onto level terms when he diverted a cross past PNS goalkeeper Sarunas Snitkas.
Holbeach then took the lead five minutes later as Josh Ford picked out Munton at the far post and he nodded home from close range.
The goal blitz continued a minute before half-time when the home side failed to clear a corner and Ford bundled home Holbeach’s third goal.
There was still time for Holbeach to add a fourth in first half injury-time as Munton this time turned provider to set up Ford for his second goal of the game.
Holbeach continued on the offensive after the break and Drury came close to marking his foray outfield with a goal only for his 25-yard strike to rattle the home crossbar.
However, Holbeach soon added their fifth though when Snitkas’ punch was collected by George Zuerner who netted with a composed finish.
Munton came close to completing his hat-trick after sliding his shot narrowly wide following more confusion in the home defence.
Star nearly reduced the arrears just past the hour mark when Dan Wilson’s inswinging corner hit the post with Laureano Da Silva blazing the rebound over.
Tigers skipper Nick Jackson headed narrowly wide from a Macauley Grimwood cross and, although Star created a couple of openings late on, Holbeach held out for a superb victory.
Tigers: Portas, Harker, Elston, Jackson, Warfield, Ford, Drury, Zuerner, Treacher, Griffiths, Munton. Subs used: Grimwood, Millinson. Not used: Nicholson.
Holbeach complete their United Counties League Premier Division campaign on Saturday with a home match against Wellingborough. Kick off at Carter’s Park is 3pm.
