Angry boss Tom Roberts blasted three of his key Holbeach United players for “leaving him in the lurch” as he watched Peterborough Sports pick up a 2-0 victory on Tuesday night.
First-half goals from brothers Richard and Mark Jones sentenced Holbeach to a 2-0 defeat at the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division leaders, but it was the absence of holidaying trio Ricky Drury, Jamie Stevens and Josh Ford that irked him the most.
Jimmy Dean’s side are the first team to beat the Tigers on their travels this season and are now five points clear at the top.
Player/boss Roberts said: “We had both Tommy Treacher and Jake Clitheroe playing when not 100 per cent, while three of our key players – Ricky Drury, Jamie Stevens and Josh Ford – were off on holiday in October.
“As far as I’m concerned, holiday season should be over now. We’re not going to be successful if our players miss games to go away.
“They have left us in the lurch and we’ve paid the price.”
Jordan Thomas did have an early chance to give Holbeach a 1-0 lead, but Sports went ahead when Richard Jones flicked a header home at the near post following a long throw in on 19 minutes.
Ex-Spalding United striker Mark Jones then netted goal number two from the penalty spot after Stuart Muldrew fouled Jordan Macleod on the stroke of half time.
Life got even tougher for the Tigers in the second half as experienced midfielder Matt Warfield was sent off for two bookable offences within the space of three minutes.
However, Sports didn’t add to their lead with a disallowed Mark Jones effort the closest they came to a third.
Holbeach introduced new signing Jonny Lockie late on, but he couldn’t help the ten men launch a comeback.
Roberts, whose side are now 12 points behind the leaders in fifth, added: “It was a long night. They are a very effective side and are good at what they do.
“I thought the game was limited to a few chances per side and the goals we gave away were very sloppy.
“We just didn’t defend a simple throw in and Richard Jones was able to help it into the corner. Then Stuart Muldrew committed himself and gave away a soft penalty, which left us up against it.
“It didn’t get any easier when Matt Warfield was sent off for two really, really soft yellow cards. They played keep ball from then on and it was tough, but the lads pulled together well.”
Holbeach switch their attention to the FA Vase this Saturday as they make the trip to Midland League Division One strugglers Coventry Copsewood (3pm).
Travis Portas is expected to continue in goal, but Tommy Treacher (illness) and Jake Clitheroe are struggling. Stacy Cartwright (back) is also likely to be unavailable, but Tyler Wright could return.
Tigers: Portas, Allen, A Jackson, Warfield, N Jackson, Tinkler, Eyett (Walton 80), Muldrew, Treacher (Smith 54), Clitheroe (Lockie 70), Thomas. Not used: Roberts, Harker.
