Match Report v Holbeach United

Starting Line-up: Marcus Mehew, Kian Wilson, Ethan Oldman, Reagan King, Cameron Young, Emille Dozzell, Josh Yaxley, Charlie Atkin, MacKenzie Travis, Ollie Griggs, Matt Mullis
Bench: Ashdon Fowler, Joe McNeil, Warren Buckman

The starting squad probably reflected how close Neil was to having potentially his strongest squad available.

Having suffered a heavy reversal earlier in the season at Carters Park it was important that the U23s didn’t concede early in the game. As it turned out it was the home side who had the better of the opening exchanges. MacKenzie Travis was causing problems for the visitor’s full back on the right flank while Ollie Griggs was doing much the same on the left. MacKenzie had supplied several inviting crosses that no-one had been able to get on the end of until after a determined run this one was met by OLLIE GRIGGS coming in from the left to put the young side ahead. Holbeach responded well to going behind and created several good chances of their own, so much so that as half time approached the scores could have been level at 4-4. However the U23s led and looked to be going in to the changing rooms one up but a headed goal from a corner for the visitors with just about the last action of the half saw the score all level.

Half Time: Leiston U23 1 - 1 Holbeach United

The second half was very even but became a bit niggly as the referee annoyed both benches, players and spectators with his inconsistent decision making. The deadlock was broken by OLLIE GRIGGS who dribbled in from his position on the left and scored his second of the game with a low shot past the visitor’s goalkeeper to restore the U23s lead. Shortly after this Holbeach were reduced to 10 men when after a lengthy discussion with his assistant the referee showed a red card to one of the visitor’s defenders. The drama apparently didn’t end there though, I say apparently because I must have dozed off when Josh Yaxley was also shown a red card. I was awake however when Ollie Griggs was shown a second yellow card but not a red so to me and many of the spectators it was not clear whether he had been sent off or given a 10 minute rest in the sin bin. As it transpired, it was the latter. With 5 minutes of time added on the U23s saw out a hard fought but well deserved win.

Full Time: Leiston U23 2 - 1 Holbeach United

The win moved the U23s out of the bottom three relegation places and it was good to see Joe McNeil get a few minutes in the second half as he returns from injury.