Holwell Sports sharpening squad ahead of big kick-off
Holwell Sports play their final pre-season game away at Step 5 side Tividale on Saturday with boss Liam Wild believing he has a squad that will be very competitive in the coming campaign.
Having made a sideways step into the Midland League Division One following a reprieve from relegation in the UCL Division One last season, Holwell kick off their new campaign away at Boldmere Rangers on Saturday, 1st August.
They then host Anstey Town on Tuesday, 4th August.
“Compared with where we were this time last year, when we didn't know the spine of our squad, things are completely different,” he said.
“We have got decent minutes into the legs of the core of our squad and we have played some good, challenging friendlies and produced some good performances – some against technically good teams and some against physical sides.
“Although, like everyone, we have had players away with holidays, work and going home from university, we have integrated the new signings and I feel we can put pressure on sides in this league and be very competitive.”
However, Wild learned little from Tuesday's 4-0 defeat at Central Midlands Alliance Premier Division North Teversal.
“We had eight players missing so brought in a lot of trialists and we did not deal with Teversal's physicality,” he said.
“The opposition’s first three entries into our box saw them score from three free headers. And from two in the second half they scored a fourth while we were wasteful in front of goal.”
On Saturday Holwell had drawn 1-1 with Awsworth Villa at Welby Road in another valuable pre-season fixture against a strong and physical side from the league below, who will be looking to replicate their excellent league and cup campaign from last season.
Holwell started the game brightly, producing some excellent passages of football.
They should have taken the lead early on when Gideon Neto was played through on goal, but the pacey young striker dragged his effort wide.
Holwell controlled much of the first half, both in and out of possession, but a lack of quality and composure in the final third saw two one-on-one opportunities go begging, leaving the sides goalless at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Holwell enjoying plenty of possession and building attacks well, only to fall short with the final pass or finish.
Several changes were made, introducing trialists and new faces in an attempt to find the breakthrough.
As the game wore on, Awsworth began to impose themselves, creating danger from a series of set pieces.
One effort struck the crossbar, while several goalmouth scrambles tested Holwell's resolve.
With just three minutes remaining, Awsworth took the lead after a defensive error.
A misplaced back pass was intercepted by the visiting striker, who calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper into an empty net.
Holwell responded well and continued to press.
Deep into stoppage time they earned a free-kick just outside the penalty area, and a trialist stepped up to curl a superb effort into the bottom corner with virtually the last kick of the game to earn a deserved 1–1 draw.
There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, particularly the number of chances created and the control shown for long periods.
However, greater quality and composure in the final third will be needed as the new season approaches.
Last week, Holwell Sports went down 4-2 at home to higher-league neighbours Shepshed Dynamo in a valuable pre-season test, with both sides including several trialists in their squads.
Shepshed were dominant throughout the first half, pressing aggressively and repeatedly turning the Holwell back line.
Holwell struggled in possession and went into the break 2–0 down.
After making several half-time changes, Holwell improved and began to keep the ball more effectively.
However, Shepshed capitalised on another defensive error to make it 3–0.
Holwell continued to show belief and grew into the game, producing some excellent football.
A delightful passing move released the striker through on goal to finish calmly, before Holwell scored again shortly afterwards to reduce the deficit to 3–2.
Despite maintaining the pressure, Holwell were unable to make the most of several promising opportunities.
Shepshed then showed their quality with an excellent cross from wide, which was headed home to complete a 4–2 victory.
It was a challenging but positive test for Holwell, with plenty of encouraging signs in the second-half performance.