Holly Lane United travelled to Four Oaks Rangers this Sunday filled with confidence from the opening win of the season against tough opposition. With Nathan Howarth still recovering from his ankle injury, Simon Chin was asked to drop in at right back & Khari Slue given the centre half role.
Holly Lane again started brightly, stringing together some nice football. With a lot of the play on the left flank it was great to see Liam Harvey back to form, he certainly looks hungrier and more focused this season.
Creating many chances, Holly Lane took the lead with a goal from Tobias Andrews in the 8th minute. Callum Hall was again instrumental in the goal; he is again proving to be a fantastic attribute to the team. The midfield partnership of Gabe & Lewis is also beginning to pay dividends. Lewis in particular had a very strong game, man of the match contender again with a superb aggressive display.
Competing for everything, the team are beginning to learn of the benefits of pressing & closing down early. A second goal was added after some great football on the right saw a cross whipped in by Callum Hall to see the defender turn the ball into his own net. Callum has been credited with this goal.
In the second half, battling up-hill Holly Lane were under pressure for a while. Our defence looked solid and Charly Glass in goal was in terrific form. He is proving to be a great shot stopper but he is also beginning to position himself correctly, he is more aware of his goal & is beginning to use his box well. In training, we have worked on his distribution too. A superb performance Charly, well done- Man of the match today!
Holly Lane dominated the game in huge parts today, never looked like losing this one. Further goals were added by Liam Harvey – a rare header & a power run on the right flank saw Jordan’s shot on goal take a deflection into the bottom right.
Although we conceded a goal in the dying seconds of the game, I thought the back four were outstanding today – solid and totally committed. Kurtis Murphy produced a reliable performance at left back as did Kieran Hennity. Jonathan McKinney; given 20 minutes today worked hard, battled and made some great passes. Well done, keep improving….
On the whole, as manager I was really pleased. Early days yet I know but the win saw the boys go two points clear at the top of the table. On a negative note, one or two players must release the ball earlier. Too much dribbling lost us the ball in the final third when a quick thro ball would have almost definitely given us more goals. Yes, we must encourage skilful individual play but recognise when an early ball should be played.
Well done Holly Lane, I’m proud of your win!!
