by Andrew Tidswell
Elite Sports Academy MD and Holbeach Utd player/coach
Last weekend at Holbeach United we hosted the league leaders AFC Kempston Rovers.
The feeling out on the pitch was probably the same as what many people probably thought and saw.
In the first half we were clinical in our performance and raced into a 3-0 lead, while also keeping Kempston at bay.
But the second half was a complete turnaround with us having our backs to wall and Kempston showing exactly why they are top by hauling us back to 3-3 and a share of the spoils.
Personally, it felt like a defeat in the moments after and, for a player, all of the words of encouragement and praise for the bits we did well mean nothing.
Ultimately you want to win – and if you’re happy to draw you shouldn’t be in football, never mind sport.
It’s hard in the moments during and after a highly-charged game to think clearly about all solutions and what happened.
Looking back, we should – in areas – be proud of our performance.
For instance, having one 19-year-old, two 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old playing most – if not all – of the game and going toe-to-toe with a vastly experienced team who hasn’t lost in the league is a positive sign for the Tigers’ future.
Add to that a bench which had another two players from the club’s under-18s and its clear to see what is happening at Holbeach.
Although this is an area where we should be proud, it is also an area where learning and growing up quickly is paramount – not just as individuals, but as a team.
We can’t keep having to score two or three goals in every game just to get something out of it. It is the more experienced players’ job to help these talented youngsters in difficult moments, and again this is an area we could improve.
Too often we have left them exposed and it’s then easy to point the blame, when other more senior players need to look closer to home about their commitment and mentality.
Positives will be taken and negatives will be looked at, because there is plenty more to play for before this season is out yet. We win together, draw together and lose together.
One thing I do know for sure is that the lads in the changing room all appreciate the support the fans are showing us on this journey.
