Holbeach United responded to back-to-back heavy defeats with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Diss Town on Saturday, securing their second win in three Thurlow Nunn Division One North matches.
The result was especially encouraging for the Tigers’ management because the side looked far more secure at the back after conceding 10 goals in their previous two games. Holbeach had lost 5-0 to Netherton United in the League Cup the previous Wednesday, following another five-goal concession in their earlier match.
Fast start puts Holbeach in control
Holbeach took the lead inside two minutes. Patrick Kacirek powered a header into the near post after a header from Tom Hoyle, giving the visitors an early advantage.
The Tigers continued to control the match and doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Mohamed Syed Ahamed ran on to a flick-on before feeding Abdul-Hamid Chouchane. Although Chouchane’s touch was heavy, he managed to work the ball to Denis Coelho, who calmly picked his spot to make it 2-0.
The goal completed a strong individual contribution from Kacirek, who had also scored against Netherton United. In that League Cup match, Rabab Ali also found the net, while Holbeach created numerous chances in an entertaining game but were let down by their defending.
Diss rally but Tigers hold on
Diss Town put Holbeach under pressure late in the game and reduced the deficit with four minutes remaining. Kyle Cushing-Meehan scored to make it 2-1, setting up a tense finish.
Holbeach’s defence held firm, however, and the Tigers saw out the match to make it two victories from their first three league fixtures of the season. The attendance at Diss Town was 114.
Holbeach United were due to return to Carter’s Park on Wednesday, August 12, as The Voice went to press. The published team against Diss was Sellers, Touaiti, Ibeneme, Hoyle, Williams, Oldham, Ahamed, Hyde, Kacirek, Ali and Wurie, with Akyuz, Coelho, Klotloczki, West and Chouchane listed as substitutes.