Holbeach United 1
Loughborough University 5
Phil Barnes offered no excuses as Holbeach United crashed out of the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday.
The Tigers were handed a hefty 5-1 reverse by Uhlsport UCL Premier Division rivals Loughborough University at Carter’s Park – which is the second time the Scholars have hit five at Holbeach in as many visits.
Tom Iaciofano (2), Tope Fadahunsi (2) and Cain Noble netted for the away side, with Josh Ford – who also sent a penalty against the bar when the score was 3-1 – getting the home reply.
The loss makes it five games without a win for the Tigers, with Barnes accepting that the scoreline was a fair reflection of the first qualifying round tie.
“They are a very good side,” admitted the Tigers chief. “I thought we were too far off them in the first half.
“We wanted to press them, but that didn’t really work out. They scored three decent goals and we didn’t really offer all that much until Josh got one back before half time.
“Then we started the second half much better and if Josh’s penalty had gone in, perhaps the game would have been different.
“But I can’t argue that 5-1 wasn’t a fair reflection of the game in the end.
“It’s one of those games that we are all keen to move on from – and quickly!”
Loughborough are fast becoming a bogey side for the Tigers, having handed them a 5-0 reverse at Carter’s Park back on the opening day of last season.
Barnes’ side will look to set the record straight when they clash again in the league on October 17 (also Carter’s Park).
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, Jackson, Fairweather, Tinkler, Finlay, Dougill, Elston, Lockie, Ford, Barnes. Subs used: Clark, Withers. Not used: Clarke, T Smith, Lovelace.
