BELOW PAR HOLLAND HELD !

Holland entertained Barnston AFC in our First game back after the festive break, in terrible conditions both sides attempted to play Football..

In truth Holland started brightly almost scoring from the First attack, with Neil Goldsworthy's cross / come shot going agonizingly wide of the goal with Steve Oldhamstead unable to reach the ball !!, we did take the lead on 15 minutes through an individual effort from Ross Thorogood (Pictured), Ross beat 2 players before coolly placing his shot past the impressive Barnston Goalkeeper, 1-0, That in truth was as good as it got for Holland all afternoon, Barnston to there credit seemed to adapt to the conditions better and kept possession of the ball well, one fine Barnston effort crashing against the Holland crossbar, with Alex beaten. Half Time 1-0.

We faced the strong wind in the 2nd half but should have extended the lead with 2 great opportunity's, both Steve Eaton and Steve Oldhamstead had one on one's with the Barnston keeper who on both occasions made fine saves, this lifted Barnston and from then on it was backs to the wall, Barnston got there leveler when Holland were guilty of letting a Barston player ghost pass 4 static bodies and find his strike partner who finished well 1-1, We managed to stay in the game with Two game saving clearances off the Holland Goaline, Firstly by Blake Panrucker and then secondly Scott Pittaway !, then Man of the Match Alex Ball produces Two fine saves !, in the last minute Barnston miss a free header thus ensuring we gain a valuable point.

So all in all in a game before hand you would have expected Holland to take 3 points, we ended with 1 !, but Barnston AFC excelled were excellent on the day playing some tidy football and may well feel very unfortunate not to have taken the 3 points, we need to be better in the up coming games, which I am sure we will be.

Holland 1 v Barnston AFC 1

Goalscorer; Ross Thorogood.

Man of the Match : Alex Ball.