Boston Town 2
Holbeach United 3
Jack Smith’s injury-time stunner completed an incredible Holbeach United comeback on Tuesday night as they came from two down to beat rivals Boston Town 3-2.
The Tigers trailed 2-0 after half an hour in the Ulhsport UCL Premier Division clash after a Spencer Tinkler own goal (8) and a Liam Tunstall strike (30).
But three goals in the last 20 minutes from Josh Ford (pen 70), Jonny Lockie (83) and Smith’s long range curled cracker secured Danny Hussey’s side their first win of the new season.
And, having been battered 5-0 by Loughborough University on Saturday, this was the perfect response from a Holbeach side that will hope to be in the mix for the title this season.
Hussey said: “The first half was really poor and we picked up two nasty injuries too.
“I had to get into the lads at the break as we looked disinterested, which was the same problem we had on Saturday. I asked for that Tigers spirit and wanted us to start putting a few challenges in.
“Joe Smith certainly listened and from one of tackles all of the lads seemed to get a lift.
“We got on the front food and grabbed three goals in the last 20 minutes or so, which was the perfect response.
“Jack’s goal at the end was great and it was a really nice feeling to get that late winner.
“We can look to use that as a springboard to get our season going.”
There was some bad news for the Tigers, however, with both Jon Fairweather and Michael Frew forced off with injuries early in the first half.
Hussey fears that Frew could miss a large chunk of the season with a potential broken bone, while Fairweather could be out for six weeks with an ankle injury.
Both are certain to miss the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round clash with Fakenham Town at Carter’s Park on Saturday (3pm).
Tigers: Drury, Wilson, Jackson (Bird 75), Joe Smith, Braithwaite, Tinkler, Lockie, Fairweather (Avis 15), Oliver, Frew (Ford 20), Jack Smith. Not used: T Smith.
