Ely City 0
Holbeach United 2
Late goals from strikers Charley Sanders and Will Bird fired Holbeach United to an impressive FA Cup victory at Ely City on Saturday.
Sanders jumped off the bench to net an 81st-minute penalty, before turning provider for Bird to clinch the win three minutes from time.
The win banked the Tigers £1,500 in prize money and sets up a home date with ChromaSport UCL Premier Division rivals ON Chenecks on Saturday week.
It was also a first-ever FA Cup success for boss Seb Hayes as a manager at the third time of asking.
The Tigers chief was happy to see his side bounce back from a sloppy first-half showing and praised the impact of sub Sanders.
Hayes said: “The first half just wasn’t good enough.
“We’d slipped back into the casual way we finished the Sleaford game. It was lazy and complacent and they put us under a lot of pressure without ever really creating a chance.
“But we had a good chat at half-time and reminded the players what we expect of them.
“We were a different team from then on and there was only ever going to be one winner if I’m honest.
“Charley changed the game, too. When he came on everything went through him and he helped us take things to another level.
“That was reflected with his goal, then he set up the second for Will.
“For me personally, it’s nice to get that first FA Cup win as a manager – it’s something you want to say.
“After two defeats, it’s third time lucky really.
“For the lads and the club, it’s great to move forward in the competition and get some money in.
“We’re at home again in the next round, so I’m confident that we can go further.”
Tigers: Drury, Jenkins, Jackson, Braithwaite, Cartwright, Warfield, Griffiths, Smith, Leckie (Sanders 65), Bird, Zuerner (Davies 80). Not used: Harker.
