Winterton Rangers 1
Holbeach United 1
(Winteron won 3-1 on pens)
For the second time in three weeks, Holbeach United exited a cup competition after losing a penalty shoot out.
This time it was the Lincolnshire County Cup they lost out in after a good performance at Winterton Rangers.
The Tigers came close to pulling off an upset against their higher level opponents who have started well in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
They even took the lead on the half hour and through a spot kick as Josh Walker made no mistake from 12-yards to give his side a half time lead.
Josh Walker brought the home side level but the momentum turned Holbeach’s way after keeper Max Rigby saved a 70th minute penalty awarded to Winterton.
The Tigers had several chances to win the game outright late on but were unable to find the breakthrough before the hosts went through winning the penalty shoot out 3-1 after the final Holbeach penalty hit the bar.
The performance followed up a return to winning ways the previous Wednesday when Whittlesey Athletic were thrashed 5-1 in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North.
It was a fine showing from the Tigers, particularly in the first half when they scored four goals in.
Lewis Baughan gave Holbeach a lead just moments after the first whistle only for them to be quickly pegged back from a corner.
But the Tigers responded emphatically with goals from Kyle Compton, Cal Davies and Harvey Henderson putting them in control.
In an open game, Whittlesey too had their chances but the Tigers defended resolutely.
Baughan capped off the fine display with his second and Holbeach’s fifth in the second half to secure a 5-1 win that ended a recent run of three straight draws in the league.
Ninth placed Holbeach are back in league action this Saturday as they make the trip to AFC Sudbury Town Reserves in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North.
