Jake Clitheroe’s first-ever Holbeach United goal secured a battling 1-0 victory at Harborough Town on Saturday – and earned the winger high praise from boss Darren Jarvis.
The talented wideman lashed home the decisive goal on just 17 minutes at Bowden’s Park as the Tigers stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions.
Holbeach came into the game in high spirits after their FA Cup heroics at Stourport Swifts on the previous Tuesday, but there was no sign of a hangover from the in-form group of players.
They had to ride a storm in the second half, but impressed boss Jarvis was full of praise for his team and match-winner Clitheroe.
He said: “Without wanting to state the obvious, you go into every game wanting a clean sheet and three points.
“I spoke to my good friend Michael Goode (Deeping Rangers boss) on the way to the game and we were both wary of an FA Cup hangover after both of our sides did so well the previous Tuesday.
“Harborough was always going to be tough. The grass on the pitch was long and they made it difficult for us.
“But we decided to play football in the right areas and keep it solid. The attitude and commitment from the players was brilliant and in the end we deserved our win.
“I was very pleased to see Jake get on the scoresheet, he really deserved it.
“He’s been playing very well recently, but was just missing that goal to give him even more confidence.
“And what a goal to get as your first, it was a cracker.
“That goal aside, it wasn’t a game full of quality. But any manager will tell you that you take the result first and the performance second.”
The only downside for the Tigers, who were missing Andrew Tidswell (injury), Tommy Treacher (suspended), Jamie Stevens (injury) and Jordan Thomas (unavailable), was an injury to defender
Stacy Cartwright. He’s hoping to be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Worcester City.
The Tigers did give Liam Bull an outing in the second half, though. The versatile defender is back at the club for another spell.
Now fourth in the UCL Premier Division, Holbach visit Boston Town tonight (Tuesday) in the Lincs FA Senior Trophy (7.45pm).
Tigers: Drury, Worthington, Jackson, Clay, Warfield (Bull), Cartwright (Limb), Pinner, Gale, King, Clitheroe, Ford (Dougill).
Attendance: 82
