Back-to-back wins delight new Holwell Sports bosses, but big tests looming
New Holwell Sports managers Ian Bitmead and Will Andrew proudly achieved their first wins this week with Saturday's 3-1 win at Bustleholme followed by a Tuesday night 3-2 cup win over Magna 73.
But a delighted Bitmead admitted bigger tests were ahead over the next two weeks as they fight for survival in Midland League Division One.
However, for now, Sports are savouring their best week of the season and Bitmead said: “We are over the moon right now.
“Saturday was a very tight game against a well-organised side, but then second half the lads came out and blew them away. We should have scored more, which is very pleasing.
“And Tuesday night's win was the first time in five years we have got through to the next round of the county cup.
“So it feels good to bring back a bit of cheer here and it was so nice to see our supporters, who had travelled over an hour and 40 minutes, leaving Bustleholme with a smile on their faces on Saturday.
“But we have a couple of tricky games coming up now against sides near the top so we know what's coming.”
Saturday saw only Sports' second win of the season. Benny Omorogbe gave them a third minute lead only to see Reece Lawton level on 10 minutes.
Joshua Smith struck on 69 minutes to make it 2-1 before Brook Isherwood sealed it on 82 minutes with Bustleholme's Essam Mohamed sent off for kicking out just before the end.
Tuesday provided a rarity in the Leicestershire & Rutland County Senior Cup Second Round as, being at home to Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division side Magna 73, meant Sports were favourites.
However, Bitmead said: “It was a really tough game and the lads had to really dig in.
“Them being from a lower league gave it a different mindset, but we knew from past experiences how tight the county cup can be. There are never favourites or underdogs. They came and gave it a real go.
“We were ahead early on, then 2-1 down before we won it with 10 minutes to go. It's just nice to be in the next round as a cup run gives the lads confidence.
“And we need to get confidence back in them ahead of possibly two massive games for us against teams near the top.
“It's small steps. We know what's ahead of us and we're not getting carried away.”
Scorers against Magna were Hayden Simpson, Bayem Onelum and matchwinner Jake O'Reilly.
On Saturday Holwell host second-placed Gornall Athletic.