Regional Cup Match Report: vs Holytown (St Joseph’s)

We were back in Regional Cup action today against Holytown at St Joseph’s, our first match since early December. We asked the boys to start fast and aggressive, but the long lay-off seemed to show as we began the game a little sluggish.
We did have an early chance when Noel started brightly down the left, cutting inside and rounding the goalkeeper, only to see his shot narrowly drift past the post.

Holytown took the lead soon after with a long ball from defence that found space between our defender and goalkeeper, allowing their striker to poke the ball home. They doubled their advantage from a corner kick shortly afterwards. Despite the setback, our boys kept battling.
Ollie nipped in and pulled one back with a neat finish however in the process injured his wrist and had to come off, a big blow to lose him at that point.
Using the wind to their advantage, Holytown continued to press, again scoring before the break.
After a regroup at half-time we sent the boys back out with renewed energy and intent. The second-half response was excellent. Increased speed and aggression led to Mason scoring then turning provider by playing a ball through for Owen, who found the net with a thunderous strike to get us back into the game.

The match was level heading into the final minutes, and we thought we had taken the lead through Cree and then Joey, only for the chances to go agonisingly wide.
Then came a dubious free kick to Holytown. From their final attack, their big midfielder didn’t need a second invitation, smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. What a winner.
We pushed forward in the remaining minutes, with Cammy coming closest, forcing an unbelievable, match-winning save from the Holytown goalkeeper.
The game finished 4–3 to Holytown. We wish them the very best in the next round of the cup. While disappointed with the result, we were extremely proud of the second-half performance and hope to return to winning ways next week in league action.

Everyone battled hard after the break, but today’s Coaches’ Man of the Match goes to Ewan, who was first to every ball and never gave up all afternoon.
Well done, Ewan. ?⚽