Biggleswade United 2
Holbeach United 3 (AET)
Jack Smith’s extra-time winner steered Holbeach United to a memorable FA Vase victory at Biggleswade United on Saturday.
The striker netted his second of the afternoon four minutes into extra time at Second Meadow as the Tigers won a scrappy first round clash 3-2.
Seb Hayes’ side had to come from behind twice to force the additional period, with Smith (35) instantly wiping out Joe Hankins’ opener (34) and Spencer Tinkler (86) levelling again following a Rafe Goodman strike.
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division leaders Biggleswade had only lost once all season prior to the clash, but Hayes felt Holbeach’s tactical approach on the day were key in booking a trip to Hertfordshire-based Wodson Park in the next round (November 3).
Hayes said: “Everyone is absolutely buzzing with the result.
“To be fair, it was a scrappy performance – but that’s what was required on the day.
“I went to watch them play the Tuesday beforehand and they had great confidence in playing the ball out from the back.
“So we had to do something to stop them. We went for a high press – at one point we had every outfield player in their half – and it worked really well.
“The lads really backed me and went for it. They had real pace up front, so we did leave ourselves much more open than we’d like.
“But, if we’d let them play, it would have been very hard for us.
“We can play, but on the day it called for us to be horrible and ugly – and we were better at it than them.
“We were so stretched and the lads were really blowing at the end of the game. That shows me that they gave it 100 per cent and executed the plan.
“Ending the game with three teenagers – Lewie Harker, Jay Whyatt and Reif Clarke – on the pitch is also testament to those lads and their ability.
“We want to do better in the Vase than we managed last season, which would mean getting to round four. We’d be absolutely delighted with that.
“Going to Wodson Park next will be tough, but so was Biggleswade.
“We’ll look to get them back to our place as a minimum, then hope to get through and get a home draw.
“We’ve got some tough games between now and then, so we’ll hopefully go into it in good form.”
Tigers: Drury, Harker, T Smith (Avis 46), Braithwaite, Clay, Jackson, Tinkler, Barker (Whyatt 85), Bird (Clarke 80), J Smith, B Smith.
