Anstey Nomads 0
Holbeach United 2
Danny Hussey was happy enough with Holbeach United’s 2-0 triumph at Anstey Nomads on Saturday – but admits that a red card to skipper Spencer Tinkler soured his mood.
Strikes in either half from Josh Ford (penalty) and Jonny Lockie made it two Uhlsport UCL Premier Division wins on the trot for the Tigers and three victories from four in all competitions this season.
However, captain Tinkler was later sent off when he reacted to a horror challenge on Will Bird by raising his hands to the guilty Anstey player, who was also dismissed.
Boss Hussey, who admits that Tinkler apologised for his actions, also felt his side took their foot off the gas in the second half once again.
“We went there with quite a few missing,” said the Tigers boss. “We also had quite a small side out.
“But we were comfortable for much of the first half and really should have been 4-1 up at the break.
“In the second half I wanted us to push on and really hammer home our advantage. But we kind of sat back again and got stuck in the trap of playing long balls.
“That’s the second time we’ve done that this season and I’ll have to speak to the lads about it.
“However, we were very comfortable and I never felt like we’d concede.
“The red card to Spencer was also very disappointing.
“The tackle on Will Bird deserved a red card and for him to then tread on him afterwards was unnecessary.
“Spencer, as captain, should have calmed our lads down and made sure nobody reacted. But he put his hands up and went for their player, allowing the referee to even things up and keep Anstey in the game.
“He’s apologised and it’ll go no further than that, but we’ll now lose a key player for important games.”
Midfielder Danny Setchell, signed on dual forms with Stamford, made his debut in the victory.
The Tigers host Deeping Rangers on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
Tigers: Drury, Ford, T Smith, Wilson, Jackson, Avis, Setchell, Jack Smith, Lockie, Bird. Subs: Oliver, Joe Smith, Pevreall, Bailey.
Attendance: 75.
