Improving Holwell Sports off the mark at last with win
Holwell Sports are finally off the mark in Midland League Division One with a first victory followed by a narrow defeat over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Boss Liam Wild said he has every faith his side can now show their quality and go on a run.
After six defeats in their first six games, a much-needed 2-1 home win over FCV Grace Dieu on Saturday was followed by a tight 1-0 defeat at AFC Kilworth on Monday and Wild said: “I had said it was only a matter of time, now we have players coming back in and able to train.
“We had been getting closer and finally ran out deserved winners on Saturday, and it could have been a lot more comfortable in the end.
“The boys stuck to the task from the start to the end.
“But it wouldn't be the Holwell way if we didn't make it tricky for ourselves!
“We showed fight and spirit and it was a really pleasing performance – and it was the same on Monday.
“We lost a couple of players then with illness and work.
“But from a defensive point of view we restricted them to one chance, which they took to their credit.
“We weren't quite at it from an attacking point of view, but showed grit and determination to stay in the game.
“The signs are now positive and we'll keep working hard to build towards the next win and the next and get a run going.”
Jake O'Reilly put Sports ahead against FCV on 45 minutes and Jamie King made it 2-0 on 77 minutes before Ernest Osaretin made it a nervy last five minutes with a reply.
At AFC North Kilworth, Jude Coates provided the only goal on 72 minutes.
This Saturday Sports face the toughest of tasks as they head for leaders Gornal Athletic, who have won eight out of eight.
“It's a big challenge – they are a good team,” said Wild.
“But we're looking forward to seeing what we can do. We will go there and make the game as competitive as we possibly can.
“We are going there to try to take points.
“I am disappointed we've not had more good results so far as the quality is there in this team and I believe in our boys. On our day we can give anyone a game.
“I have no reason to believe we can't do that on Saturday. The boys have just got to believe.”
Sports then host Kirby Muxloe on Tuesday night as Sports get used to the frenetic pace of their new league.
“It certainly shows no mercy with games Saturday and Tuesday,” smiled Wild. You get very little chance for training which people may not realise.
"We are playing Saturday/Tuesday for a couple of weeks now with another home game with Coalville after Kirby, but we’re looking forward to it.”