Holbeach United 2
Deeping Rangers 3
Frustrated Seb Hayes bemoaned Holbeach United’s game management as they blew a 2-0 lead to go down 3-2 at home to Deeping Rangers on Saturday.
The Tigers looked set for a morale-boosting Future Lions UCL Premier Division victory after goals from Billy Smith (12) and Josh Ford (39) gave them a 2-0 half-time lead.
But strikes from Danny Durkin (62) and Sam Mooney (68) levelled matters at Carter’s Park, before Rangers had Charlie Coulson sent off.
That failed to derail their comeback, however, with a Jonny Clay own goal sealing Holbeach’s fate 12 minutes from time.
The winner was initially ruled out for offside, with the assistant believing Cameron Johnson got the final touch.
Hayes felt his side should have at least collected a point, but praised Deeping’s fighting spirit as they beat his Tigers 3-2 for a second time this season.
He said: “Deeping started well, but after that we dominated for long periods.
“We missed a couple of big chances to make the points safe, but once they were in the ascendancy they took their chances and we crumbled a little bit.
“That’s the difference, they stuck together and fought back to get the win. For that reason, they deserve to win.
“But it’s frustrating for me, as I’m left scratching my head about how we didn’t get anything from the game.
“It’s all about game management and belief. When we needed to be calm, all we did was kick and rush.
“I don’t want to sound like a bad loser, but anybody watching that game would agree that we should have taken at least a point.
“But a lot of the players just aren’t delivering at the moment.”
Tigers: Tarris, Harker, Clay, Braithwaite, Cartwright, Tinkler, Jackson (Barker 87), Ford, Avis (Hamilton 83), B Smith, J Smith (Bird 70). Not used: Whyatt.
Deeping: Stainsby, Flack, Hunnings, Stubbs, Andersen, Coulson, Burton-Jones, Simpson (Johnson 53), Durkin (Dunn 77), Mooney, Schiavi. Not used: Fryett, Allcock, Bircham.
Attendance: 116.
