Holbeach United held to a draw in Thurlow Nunn First Division North play-off chase
Swaffham Town 2 Holbeach United 2
Holbeach United's hopes of climbing into the Thurlow Nunn First Division North play-off places were dented after a 2-2 draw at improving Swaffham Town this afternoon.
Kieran Bruce's early goal for the hosts was cancelled out by a John Yambasu double going into the break before the Pedlars dominated long periods of the second half to equalise through Dan Roberts.
A draw was perhaps a fair result for the Tigers, who have only lost once in the league since October, as leading scorer Callum Davies was kept relatively quiet during an entertaining affair at the Worzall's Roofing Stadium.
Before kick-off their was an impeccably-observed one minute's silence to remember Leverington Sports skipper Phil (Robbo) Robinson – well known and respected by players from both sides – who was tragically killed earlier this month.
An early opportunity saw Bogdan Masnita head a Yambasu cross into the arms of home goalkeeper Joe Rider.
Swaffham broke straight up field and took the lead with the next attack of the game.
Much-travelled frontman Nick Davey was denied by the legs Max Rigby after finding himself one-on-one with the visiting shotstopper but Kieran Bruce was on hand to drill home the rebound.
Eoin McQuaid volleyed over for the Pedlars while at the other end Kyle Compton saw his effort comfortably saved by Rider after combing well with Yambasu.
The Tigers moved the ball about well in the opening 30 minutes and didn't have to wait long before finding an equaliser.
An Ainsley Johnson free-kick picked out Finley Henderson who saw his header saved before Yambasu pounced on the loose ball to bring Holbeach back on level terms.
Holbeach's Will Barnes was thwarted by an excellent stop from Rider while Luke Clemenson fired into the side netting at the other end of the field as both sides played their part in an open first half.
The visitors got their noses in front 17 minutes before the break as Swaffham failed to clear a Masnita cross from the left and Yambausa made the home side pay.
Masnita then saw his shot tipped over the woodwork as Holbeach came close to doubling their lead.
On the stroke of half-time, Davey saw his shot crash back off the woodwork as an entertaining first period drew to a close.
Playing down the slope after the interval, Swaffham up the ante for long periods of the second half.
McQuaid blasted a free-kick into the Holbeach wall and Jacob Bogle's follow-up whistled over the woodwork as the Pedlars turned up the heat.
A flowing move involving Clemenson, Davey and McQuaid ended with Roberts being foiled by Rigby.
Clemenson's free-kick was then scrambled clear by the visitors who were coming under increasing pressure from the home outfit.
The equaliser eventually arrived 12 minutes from time as Bruce delivered a centre from the left and Roberts headed into the net.
There were a number of yellow cards for both sides as players became increasingly frustrated by a number of decisions by referee D. Lewis.
Swaffham were denied what looked a stonewall penalty after a cross appeared to be clearly handled by a visiting player on its way into the box.
Davey headed into the arms of Rigby while a rare Holbeach chance in the second half saw Joe Millinson do likewise at the other end.
The point saw them drop down to seventh spot in the Division One North of the Thurlow Nunn League, four points outside the play-off places, after victories for both Cornard United and Whittlesey Athletic.
Swaffham Town: Rider, Clemenson, Dack, Malin, Madigan, Karanicolas, McQuaid, Roberts, Davey, Bogle, Bruce. Subs: Todd, Burch, Minns, Lambe and Haseley.
Holbeach United: Rigby, Nicholson, Johnson, H. Henderson, F. Henderson, Barnes, Masnita, Bilicz, Davies, Compton, Yambasu. Subs: Carter, Millinson, Oldham, Smith, Clifton.
Attendance: 49.
