OADBY TOWN 0
HOLBEACH UNITED 1
Will Bird struck a decisive late winner at Oadby Town on Saturday to keep Holbeach United’s unbeaten start to the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division season alive.
After the Tigers wasted a host of gilt-edged chances, Bird headed home Charley Sanders’ cross on 82 minutes to secure a third win from four games.
Bird was earlier one of many players to spurn presentable openings, along with strike partner Lewis Leckie, midfielder George Zuerner and defender Spencer Tinkler.
But his late winner spared Holbeach’s blushes and made it ten points from an available 12.
There was a late scare for the Tigers, though, with Oadby seeing a late goal ruled out for offside and keeper Ricky Drury forced to make a super one-handed save from Harry Alcock.
The victory pleased Holbeach chief Seb Hayes, who felt his side showed great patience and learned their lessons from a similar game with Peterborough Northern Star earlier in the season.
“I’m pleased with the lads,” said boss Hayes. “They stuck to their task, showed patience and got the job done in the end.
“I felt the victory was deserved and we probably should have scored a few more. We must have had six gilt-edged chances, all from inside the six-yard box.
“But it took a good bit of play from Charley and a deflected header from Will to get the points – we’ll take the points any way they come.
“What pleased me the most was the game felt just like the PNS game of a few weeks ago, which we drew 2-2.
“We got frustrated that day, but it was different this time.
“I thought Oadby performed very well. They are a good young side and I certainly don’t see them being down the wrong end of the table come the end of the season.
“If they carry on playing that way, no team will go there and have an easy ride.”
Holbeach host Yaxley on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
Tigers: Drury, Tinkler, N Jackson, Cartwright, Braithwaite, Dougill, Warfield, Zuerner (Sanders), Griffiths, Leckie (Keeble), Bird. Not used: Hamilton.
