Yaxley 2
Holbeach United 4
Holbeach United produced a stunning second-half comeback to win 4-2 at high-flying Yaxley in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division on Tuesday night.
Two first-half goals from Dan Cotton (5 &29) had the Cuckoos flying on their 3G surface at In2itive Park.
But Holbeach cancelled that lead out within two second-half minutes as Jordan Thomas (46) and Stacey Cartwright (47) hauled the visitors level.
Thomas then bagged his second (65), before Andrew Tidswell’s late penalty sealed a memorable victory.
Tigers boss Darren Jarvis highlighted Yaxley as the kind of place his side need to win at if they want to contend at the top – and praised their will to win.
“I’m tremendously pleased with the result,” said Jarvis. “I know managers always say this, but I was convinced we were still in it at half time.
“Credit to Yaxley, they took their chances – but I didn’t think they caused us too many problems.
“At half time we spoke to the lads and told them that they’ve got to get results at places like this if we’re serious about challenging at the top. To get back into the game so quickly and then go on and win the match proves the character and will to win this squad has.
“It’s a big win for us – and let’s not forget that Yaxley play on this 3G surface every week. They are very strong at home.”
It took just five minutes for Yaxley to go ahead, as one-time Tiger Deakan Napier crossed for Cotton to slam into the net.
Ex-Spalding United ace Cotton struck again on the half hour, deceiving Ricky Drury at his near post to leave Holbeach up against it at 2-0 down at the break.
The comeback began two minutes into the second period, though, with Thomas lashing home following a bit of pinball in the home box.
A minute later it was 2-2 as defender Cartwright levelled from a corner – although Thomas claimed a touch on the line.
Number three was definitely his, as a great burst and delivery from Ollie Pinner set up the frontman, who took his chance superbly.
The Cuckoos pressed for a leveller after that, with Liam Hook firing just wide from 25 yards and Drury forced to save from a hat-trick hunting Cotton.
But it was Jarvis’ side who had the last word as sub Tommy Treacher was fouled in the box, allowing Tidswell to tuck home a last-gasp penalty to wrap up the points and send the Tigers fifth in the table.
Holbeach travel to Eynesbury Rovers for their next UCL Premier Division game on Saturday (3pm) – and they could be boosted by the return of skipper Jamie Stevens from long-term injury.
Tigers: Drury, Worthington, Jackson, Pinner, Cartwright, Warfield, Clitheroe, Tidswell, Ford (Ward), King, Thomas (Treacher).
