It’s no surprise that Holbeach United have been such a strong defensive force this season.
That’s the verdict of Tigers boss Darren Jarvis, who admits he has an embarrassment of riches in the back five positions.
With three top keepers and up to eight presentable defensive options, there’s certainly a case for the defence at Carter’s Park.
Before Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Sleaford Town, Holbeach hadn’t conceded a goal in more than 500 minutes. They’ll be looking to start a similar run again on Saturday’s when they welcome Desborough Town to Carter’s Park (3pm).
The Tigers have shipped just nine goals in 13 league matches – giving them the best defensive record by some distance.
Jarvis said: “We’ve got outstanding options in goal and at the back. With Ricky Lovelace and Tom Roberts backing up Ricky Drury in goal, we have an embarrassment of riches.
“All eight of our defensive options are great too – and none of them are having bad games.
“They all deserve to play and it’s giving me the best kind of problem.”
That defensive record has gone a long way to putting Holbeach third in the table. They have only last once all season – and that was way back the opening day of the season.
The opponents that day were Saturday’s visitors Desborough – and Jarvis wants to set the record straight this weekend.
He said: “This are the kind of games you need to win if you want to be in the title mix. We need to make sure we don’t undo all of our good work of previous matches.
“Desborough are a hard-working side and we’ll need to match them. But we go into the game full of confidence and hoping to take three points.”
Holbeach will have to do without unavailable duo Tommy Treacher and Gary King, so will have to shuffle their attacking options.
