by Andrew Tidswell
Elite Sports Academy MD and Holbeach Utd player/coach
This week I am writing to give you an insight into Holbeach United’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Worcester City in the FA Cup.
Since the incredible overhead kick scored by none other than our keeper Rick Drury, the club has been in the public eye nationally.
For the players the day will always be one to look back at with a smile.
Before the game all the lads and management got together slightly earlier for a pre-match meal, which the club put on for us.
In this time, it’s a chance to chat, swap stories and discuss ideas. Once in the changing room it’s down to business, players preparing in different ways, the physio working hard with the players and the management fine combing details.
Prior to kick off, all the boys were focused and excited of the challenge that lay ahead. It was a chance to test ourselves against a team three tiers higher – status-wise – than us and a team which we knew had lots of players with Football League experience.
Tactically, we were spot on and credit to all players who carried out instructions to the letter.
During the first half we felt comfortable and there was a sense of control from our point of view. At half time we felt that, with a little bit more luck, we could have been coming in ahead. In the second half, Worcester came out of the blocks faster and made it very difficult for us with their intense pressing game.
We rode the storm with our back four dealing with their threats exceptionally, heading, blocking and tackling at the right times.
Although this pressure came early on, I was still comfortable in the fact we would get chances ourselves if we just held firm and continued to do what we were doing.
Then a 90 second period which nearly defined the match, we missed a glorious chance to take the lead and then the sucker punch.
Worcester take the lead through veteran Lee Hughes with a back post header seconds later.
Although Worcester took the lead we knew we weren’t dead and buried, it was about timing. With the fantastic atmosphere created by our brilliant fans it definitely urged us on further.
With several of our players playing through injury it could have been easy to lie down. But with this team, it doesn’t know when it’s beaten and there are many games we have come from behind and rescued a situation.
Although there were some breakaways by Worcester in the last ten minutes, we were getting closer. Stacy Cartwright was frustrated not to get more on a header in their box and then Ollie Pinner was unfortunate to see a bullet header ruled offside for someone else. Then came that moment!
We won a free kick five yards inside their half on the right. I already knew I was to take set pieces. In those moments I didn’t know we were into stoppage time, but I did turn around and see that Rick Drury, our goalkeeper, had gone forward.
My thought process here was to not leave the free kick short and for it to be easily headed clear. Just give them a chance, I said. As soon as the ball left my foot, time slowed down.
It was one of those moments. What happened next I’d like to say surprised me, but I have seen Rick do things like this time and time again.
What made it so ridiculous beyond belief was that this was at 1-0 down in the 94th minute of the FA Cup against a team three leagues higher. The place erupted, I had heard the Pig Pen at
Holbeach erupt on the “Battle of Boxing Day” in a derby against rivals Spalding United, but this may top it.
In the next few minutes, fans were everywhere. Many were on the pitch, many were in disbelief at what just happened. All we knew was that we were still in the FA Cup.
Full time came and after the elation of our efforts, we sat in the dressing room to digest what happened.
At this stage many players were saying that, although today was monumental and one that has maybe put Holbeach on the map again footballing wise, it was a day that could have yielded a victory.
One of the best things in a team environment for me is knowing that whatever happens the person next to you, behind you, in front of you is fighting and backing you up.
This was a game where I looked around and knew everyone would be there if another would fall.
