Holbeach United 2 Loughborough University 1
Phil Barnes saluted Holbeach United’s best win of the season so far as they came from behind to beat much-fancied Loughborough University 2-1 at Carter’s Park on Saturday.
Jordan Elston’s first two senior goals for the Tigers on 55 and 72 minutes wiped out Kieran Smith’s first-half opener (18) to secure a win against a Loughborough side who had beaten them 5-1 in the FA Vase last month.
The win was made even more impressive by the fact Josh Ford was handed a straight red card just before half-time and key defender Jon Fairweather limped off with an early injury.
The Tigers were already severely depleted for the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division fixture and Barnes was quick to praise the versatility and workrate shown by his side.
“That’s probably our best win of the season,” admitted Barnes. “I’m very proud of all of the lads.
“Things weren’t looking good at 6.30pm on Friday, we had Jacko Withers pull out and very few options in the squad.
“So we had to go 4-4-2, which isn’t a system we usually play. Then Jon Fairweather had to come off early on with an injury and you wonder what is going on.
“Throw in going 1-0 down and Josh Ford getting sent off just before half time and things didn’t look good.
“But it was a great turnaround from the boys, they all pulled together.
“It wasn’t even a case of backs to the wall and hitting them on the break, we outplayed them in my opinion.
“Michael Frew worked his socks off in attack and held the ball up superbly, bringing everybody else into play.
“I also asked Joe Smith to do a job for the team out wide on the right and he did really well.
“That’s been the story of our season, really. I think Luke WIlson has played three different positions and has done really well in all of them, too.
“Obviously Jordan will take the plaudits for his goals. He took them very well and was another player who worked really hard.
“I’m very proud of this performance and result.”
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, T Smith, Fairweather, Tinkler, Jackson, J Smith, Barnes, Elston, Frew, Ford. Subs used. Millinson, Clarke.
