Holwell Sports off the mark with Graham St Prims win

Holwell Sports bounced straight back from their opening day defeat as new manager John Webster picked up his first East Midlands Counties League win on Saturday at Graham St Prims.
Andre Fontoura grabbed Holwell's second in his second appearance for the club EMN-160816-091736002Andre Fontoura grabbed Holwell's second in his second appearance for the club EMN-160816-091736002
Andre Fontoura grabbed Holwell's second in his second appearance for the club EMN-160816-091736002

Two goals from former Melton striker David Hazeldine and a fine strike from Andre Fontoura, another summer signing from Cottesmore Amateurs, wrapped up the points.

After plenty of hard work on the training ground in midweek, Holwell began the match sharply and an early chance fell to Graham Wells.

The forward made a great run down the left channel only for the keeper to save at his near post.

The early stages were even, but the visitors had their noses in front after 13 minutes when Wells broke away down the left.

His pull back was crashed against the crossbar, but Hazeldine was on hand to head home from eight yards for his first goal since returning to the Welby Road club.

This seemed to rock the home side as Holwell began to dominate the game.

Brad Smith and Tom Harris both had chances to increase Holwell’s lead, but it remained 1-0 until the 36th minute.

David Reeves crossed from the right, and when the subsequent shot was blocked and ricocheted into the air, Fontoura reacted quickest with a fantastic overhead kick which flew into the top corner.

Holwell were good value for their lead at half-time, but Prims came back into the game after the break, boasting the larger share of possession and causing Holwell to go on the defensive.

Their pressure paid off after 55 minutes when a fine pass from Matt Adcock found James Rushby who finished well.

Holwell reacted well and quickly regained their composure to create further chances.

With eight minutes to go, Sports put the game to bed.

David Hazeldine was first to react to Carlton Cropper’s inswinging corner and his shot found the top left-hand corner of the net for his second goal of the game.

Holwell could have increased their lead in the final stages, but fine saves from the Prims keeper kept the scoreline down.

Assistant manager Andy Hill said: “We are really pleased with the whole squad, particularly their attitude, work ethic and willingness to take on new ideas. We’re looking forward to the next game.”

Holwell have back-to-back EMCL fixtures next week as they host Leicestershire Senior League champions Birstall United on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before the long trip to Stapenhill on Tuesday evening (ko 7.45pm).

Holwell: J. Witham, I. Bitmead, A. Ridout, B. Smith, L. Chapman, D. Reeves, T. Harris, M. Stevenson, A. Fontoura, D. Hazeldine, G. Wells. Subs: C. Cropper, S. Kibble.

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