Holbeach United 4
Deeping Rangers 0
Lee Dube’s deadly hat-trick fired Holbeach to an eye-catching derby win over previously unbeaten Deeping at Carter’s Park on Wednesday night.
The striker made it five goals in just two UCL Premier Division games for the Tigers with goals on 8, 63 and 70 minutes, while Lee Beeson (23) grabbed the other from the penalty spot.
Both sides had players sent off within the space of five first-half minutes too, with Jake Gibson and Scott Ginty both given their marching orders for late tackles.
But they had little effect on the outcome of the game, as the Tigers made it three wins from their opening trio of matches with the stand-out showing of their season so far.
It was Deeping who actually started the better, with Jake Duffy forced to block Craig Parker’s goal-bound effort on the line after Ryan Oliver had got in behind the home defence.
Holbeach soon settled though – and they made the breakthrough with their first attack of any note. They worked the ball superbly out to Beeson, who delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left for Dube to head a low effort low into the net at the back post.
They doubled their money 15 minutes later after a goalkeeping error from ex-Tiger James Doughty. He spilled Gary King’s shot, allowing Duffy to pick up the rebound before being hacked down in the box.
There was no doubt about the award of the penalty – and equally little doubt that Beeson would find the net for his third goal of the season, having sent the visiting stopper the wrong way.
The winger, signed from Spalding United in the summer, has scored in every UCL Premier Division game he’s played for the Tigers.
King then unleashed a dipping 25-yard drive that flew just over Doughty’s bar, before the red card spree began.
Gibson was the first to go for a late sliding tackle on former Holbeach favourite Parker. It was the first red card of the young left-sider’s career – and although there was clearly no intent to harm the Rangers man, it was a rash challenge.
Deeping’s numerical advantage only lasted a few minutes, however, as Ginty flew in with a similarly late lunge on Duffy. Again, there was little malice in the challenge, but the referee had little option but to level things up.
Holbeach seemed to enjoy the ten versus ten scenario more than their rivals in the second period and they carved out a number of presentable chances before sealing their success.
Doughty saved comfortably from Ashley Fuller after a neat interchange with Dube, while the away keeper got down well to stop a deflected Jonny Allen drive soon after.
They came closer still when King’s cross found Beeson free at the back post, but his effort was deflected wide.
It was game over just after the hour, though, with Dube racing onto a long ball over the top to rifle a half-volley low into the far corner from just inside the box.
It was the simplest of goals, but it perfectly showcased the strength and power of Dube, who looks lethal infront of goal.
There was still time for the former Oadby Town striker to complete his first hat-trick in yellow and black, too. It was the easiest of his terrific treble as he diverted Fuller’s fierce cross into the net with his head from close range, but clinical nonetheless.
Sub Courtney Meade went close to making it five in the closing stages, but his strike was expertly tipped over by Doughty at the near post.
Five wouldn’t really have flattered the Tigers – and co-boss John Chand admits that he and fellow chief Graham Drury couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Chand said: “I think it’s our best performance yet. Fair play to Deeping, they came here and tried to win the game. They really came at us in the first few minutes, but if I’m honest it was one-way traffic from there.
“I think the red cards were harsh – but they were either both a red card, or both not a red card. We’ve got no complaints, if he’s sent one off then he has to do the same for the other.
“I thought Dube was quality. He plays with a smile on his face and is a really unselfish player.
“He’s grabbed a hat-trick tonight and his goals to game ratio is brilliant for us. It’s good to have tied him down to the club for the whole season.
“Everyone here would have taken the start we have had, especially to win so well against a Deeping side that have started so well – they hadn’t conceded a goal before tonight either.
“If you’re looking at statements, a 4-0 win over Deeping is a very big one. But like we’ve just said to the lads, you don’t win a league in August.”
Respected Deeping chief Tuncay Korkmaz, whose side hadn’t lost or conceded a goal before being mauled by the Tigers, offered no excuses for the result.
The Turkish tactician said: “I didn’t really see Scott’s tackle, but I have no complaints with the decisions or the result on the night.
“It was already 2-0 by the time the red cards happened and I don’t think they had any impact on the result.
“Holbeach move the ball around really well and have a lot of good attacking options. The lad Dube was very good and really made the difference.
“The league is no different to any other, certain players make a big difference. Tonight it was Dube.
“We were missing a few players, but so were they. No excuses, they were the better side.”
The crushing win sends Holbeach top of the table, with Deeping now fourth.
Tigers: Conroy, Allen, Gibson, Pinner (Steadman 65), Dube (Treacher 74), Stevens, Beeson (Meade 75), Duffy, Spencer, King, Fuller. Not used: Delahoy, Parker.
Deeping: Doughty, Flack, Smith, Tinkler, Braithwaite, Bogusz (Heron 60), Lewis, Ginty, Graham (Ashton 46), Oliver, Parker (Sturgess 62) Not used: Porter, Bircham.
Attendance: 200
