Deeping Rangers 2
Holbeach United 1
Disappointed Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes admitted that his side got exactly what they deserved from Tuesday night’s game at Deeping Rangers – absolutely nothing.
First-half strikes from Scott Mooney (8) and Scott Coupland (37) sentenced the Tigers to a first loss under new manager Hayes in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division, with Dan Dougill (90) grabbing a late consolation.
Hayes felt that his side didn’t get going until the last 20 minutes against a Rangers side that are 18 league games unbeaten and felt the hosts played a better brand of “UCL football” on the night.
“It was very, very poor from us,” accepted the former Peterborough Northern Star supremo. “I suppose it was just one of those games.
“We didn’t do any of the things that we’ve been doing well in the past few games – and only really created one clear-cut chance all night.
“Deeping played better UCL football. They got in behind us a lot and they also have that belief that a good run of form brings.
“I’m not one for excuses, but we were missing a lot of players against a side that are the in-form team in the league.
“I’m also trying to lift a club that, for some strange reason, is very low on confidence.
“I look in the dressing room and see a lot of fine players, so there’s no reason for us to be feeling that way.
“I felt the subs, especially young Dan Dougill, made a real impact and we improved late on, but it was too late by then really.”
Holbeach, who handed a debut to new signing Zak Munton at the Haydon Witham Stadium, must now pick themselves up for the Boxing Day clash with Wisbech Town at Carter’s Park (3pm).
Hayes doesn’t want his charges to dwell on their Deeping defeat and wants to see a response in the derby duel.
“I’m a big believer in leaving a loss in the changing room,” added Hayes. “It’s done, we move on now.
“I don’t like to see wallowing in the clubhouse, it’s not me.
“We’ve got a derby game that the fans will be up for – that’s the only positive for me, there’s a big game waiting for us.”
Tommy Treacher and Pete Smith should return for the Wisbech clash.
Tigers: Drury, Walton (Ward), Shepherd (Dougill), N Jackson, Tinkler, Warfield, Madigan (Cartwright), Pinner, Ford, Munton, Eyett. Att: 124.
