Boston Town 1
Holbeach United 1
Holbeach United finally collected their first Uhlsport UCL Premier Division point of the season on Tuesday night after drawing 1-1 at rivals Boston Town.
The Tigers made a dream start to the derby duel and went ahead when he headed home Josh Ford’s cross inside five minutes.
But Boston are a tough side to beat on their own patch and they levelled just before the break when former Spalding United striker Luke White finishing after good work from ex-Holbeach winger Lee Beeson.
Both sides had opportunities to win the game in the closing stages, including a frantic double chance for the Tigers, but it ended all square.
After suffering back-to-back league losses against Anstey Nomads and Deeping Rangers, then going out of the FA Cup on Saturday, the draw is a welcome result for Phil Barnes’ side.
The Tigers chief felt that his side could have taken all three points home from the DWB Stadium, but admitted that he was satisfied with a draw.
“We went there and tried to play some football,” said Barnes. “It was difficult, as it always is at Boston.
“I’m pleased to get that first point on the board. Maybe we could have won it at the end – we had a chance that, well, I’m not quite sure how it stayed out.
“But they also looked dangerous from a few long throws and, the way our luck has been, I was half expecting something to happen for them.
“I’m proud of my side, we were committed and that’s all you can ask. The senior players stood up to be counted and for the younger lads it was a bit of a baptism of fire.
“Overall I have to be satisfied with a draw, it’s something for us to build on after a few defeats.”
Next up for the Tigers is a tricky home clash against league rivals Loughborough University in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).
Holbeach are sweating on the fitness of Tuesday night goalscorer Wilson and defender Jon Fairweather after both picked up groin injuries at Boston.
Centre back Joe Braithwaite is also ruled out, while striker Michael Frew remains sidelined and new signing Liam Tunstall is recovering from minor surgery.
Loughborough sit fourth in the fledgling table after two wins and a draw from four games.
Tigers: Drury, Wilson (Braithwaite 54), T Smith, Dougill, Fairweather, J Elston, Jackson, Ford (Clark 82), W Barnes, Lockie. Not used: Finlay, Lovelace.
Attendance: 191.
