A lack of discipline and poor decision-making proved costly for Holbeach United Reserves in their 4-1 home defeat against Stilton on Saturday.
Holbeach had two players dismissed in the Peterborough League Premier Division clash while Stilton also had a player sent off for his part in an incident which saw Tigers’ Liam Mead taken to hospital with a nasty head wound after clattering into the safety barriers at Carter’s Park.
Stilton, who have had a large influx of new players since last season, started brightly and caused the Tigers numerous problems with their pace and slick passing.
They took an inevitable lead before being reduced to ten men five minutes before the half-time in the incident which led to Mead’s abrupt departure.
Holbeach responded to a stern half-time team talk with Macauley Grimwood asking several questions of the Stilton defence with his raw pace and power.
Grimwood, who had come on to replace Mead, twice hit the woodwork before finally getting his reward with a fine finish.
However, that was to be one of his last involvements in the game, as Grimwood received his marching orders shortly after for foul and abusive language towards the match official.
Stilton responded better to both sides having ten men and they some punished some poor Holbeach defending to regain the lead.
Poor communication then allowed Stilton to add a third before Holbeach suffered a second sending off with skipper John Smith being dismissed after collecting a second booking.
A bad day was completed for Holbeach with just five minutes remaining when Stilton scored their fourth goal.
Moulton Harrox dropped their first points of the Premier Division campaign after being held to a 1-1 draw away at Peterborough ICA Sports.
The Peterborough side levelled from the penalty spot with just five minutes remaining to halt Harrox who had recorded 5-0 wins in their opening two games.
Moulton are on their travels on Saturday when they visit Ketton.
