Holwell Sports extend Stapenhill's poor run

Holwell Sports avenged their seven-goal early season mauling at Stapenhill by toppling the top eight side at Welby Road on Saturday.
Ian Bitmead and Aatron Ridout double up on Stapenhill dangerman Steve Hart who scored his 42nd goal of the season at Welby Road EMN-170802-101058002Ian Bitmead and Aatron Ridout double up on Stapenhill dangerman Steve Hart who scored his 42nd goal of the season at Welby Road EMN-170802-101058002
Ian Bitmead and Aatron Ridout double up on Stapenhill dangerman Steve Hart who scored his 42nd goal of the season at Welby Road EMN-170802-101058002

The victory was Holwell’s fourth in their last six outings and lifted them a place to 14th in the East Midlands Counties League.

Stapenhill had topped the table earlier this season, but arrived at Asfordby Hill on a wretched run of form.

They had picked up just one point from their previous seven matches, including a bizarre 6-0 home defeat to third-bottom Graham St Prims.

Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002
Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002

Graham Wells gave the home side a 15th-minute lead, getting on the scoresheet for the third game running.

The lead lasted just three minutes when Steve Hart levelled with his 42nd goal of a remarkable season, finishing from a goalmouth scramble following Liversage’s corner.

But a Harry Austin own goal put Holwell back in front after 28 minutes and Stapenhill’s plight grew tougher when they had a man sent off before the break.

Mark Tinsley then gave the hosts breathing space by scoring his seventh of the season, midway through the second half, to complete a 3-1 win.

Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002
Liam Chapman looks to set Holwell going forward EMN-170802-101111002

Holwell hit the road on Saturday to take on Radford who have also hit an inconsistent patch following a strong start to the season.

The Nottingham side have slipped to 10th, having failed to win any of their last three home matches, and were held to a 2-2 draw last time out by lowly Belper. Kick-off is 3pm.

Holwell: J. Witham, L. Chapman, A. Ridout, R. Woodcock, I. Bitmead, D. Reeves, C. Hibbitt, B. Smith, K. Foster, M. Tinsley, G. Wells. Subs: D. Hazeldine, J. Tildsley.

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