HARROWBY UTD 0
HOLBEACH UTD 3
Cup kings Holbeach United reached their second semi-final of the season on Tuesday night as they eventually overcame a plucky Harrowby United side 3-0.
The Tigers weren’t at the races in the first half of the ChromaSport UCL Cup clash at the Environcom Stadium, but were boosted by a 19th-minute red card awarded to Harrowby’s Felix Hogg.
That set the stage for second-half strikes from Spencer Tinkler (65), Lewis Leckie (70) and Dan Dougill (78) to fire UCL Premier Division high-fliers Holbeach into a semi-final at Yaxley.
Tinkler’s opener came from a corner, with the defender scrambling home on the line following a header from the returning Charley Sanders – who had just come on as a substitute seconds earlier.
Leckie doubled the lead against the UCL Division One side with a sensational long range effort to take his tally for the season to 20.
The third goal was equally as special, with Dougill lobbing home a long-range stunner with the outside of his boot.
Ricky Drury was forced to make a stellar save while the score was 2-0, but Holbeach boss Seb Hayes felt his side were value for the victory.
And, having targeted a strong showing in the cups before a ball was kicked this season, the Tigers chief is delighted to have reached another semi-final.
“To be fair, the red card didn’t help us,” said Hayes. “We just couldn’t find any rhythm in the first half and Harrowby were solid.
“They outworked us and out-battled us, while also having a good defensive shape.
“We struggled to get going, but in the second half we forced things and, once we got that first goal, you could see the confidence begin to flow. We perhaps could have scored a few more goals in the end, but that would have been harsh on Harrowby.
“I’m so happy to reach another semi-final. It’s no secret that we prioritised the cup competitions at the start of the season – so I can’t really ask for any more.
“In fairness, we’ve had an unbelievably good first half to the season and I hope we can carry it on. To have the chance to reach two finals and also to be on the fringe of the title race is very pleasing.”
Holbeach, who slipped to fifth in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division standings after Tuesday’s games, visit Wellingborough Whitworth on Saturday (3pm).
They then travel to Bourne Town for the semi-final of the Lincs FA Senior Trophy on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Tigers: Drury, Harker, N Jackson, Tinkler, Warfield, Smith, Dougill (East), Zuerner, Fenton (Sanders), Bird, Leckie. Not used: Griffiths.
