Holbeach beaten by league leaders Heacham in Thurlow Nunn First Division North

Heacham 3 Holbeach United 0

Goalkeeper Max Rigby had a night to forget as the Tigers' slim hopes of making the play-offs were all but ended at the Heacham Sports Field on Tuesday night.

Rigby was at fault for all three of Heacham's goals as the Norfolk side maintained their slender advantage at the top of the First Division North table.

Holbeach created plenty of chances in the first half and were left kicking themselves after a penalty miss from Callum Davies denied them a path back into the game after the interval when 2-0 down.

The home side got off to the best possible start in the second minute after Rigby failed to collect a hopeful long ball from Nathan Davies and Fletcher Toll nipped in to open the scoring.

Despite conceding so early, the Tigers settled well and created a number of openings at the other end.

George Frost was denied by the body of Aaron Watson, Sam Carter was high and wide after trying his luck from long-range while Davies' cross took a deflection before being gratefully held onto by Watson.

Rigby atoned for his earlier error by making a brilliant save to deny John Flanagan after the Heacham striker had found himself one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper.

The Tigers refused to buckle against a direct Heacham outfit.

They were almost back on level terms 15 minutes before the break as Frost's looping header from John Yambasu's cross bounced the wrong side of the post.

Heacham doubled their lead in the 35th minute after Flanagan's powerful shot from outside the box skidded off the wet surface and appeared to bamboozle Rigby as the ball squirmed under his body and into the net.

Charlie Royal saw an effort blocked on the line by the overworked visiting goalkeeper and Rigby pulled off a stunning point-blank save to thwart Toll as the home side went in search of a third goal before the break.

Danny Clifton's side started the second half on the front foot and were handed a golden opportunity to get themselves back into the game when Davies was fouled in the box and the Tigers were awarded a penalty.

Davies picked himself up to take the spot-kick but fired it high over the crossbar - much to the delight of the home supporters.

Holbeach were made to pay for the miss a few minutes later as Rigby was caught in possession and Toll slotted the ball into the empty net.

The Tigers are without a league fixture on Saturday before returning to action with a trip to Leiston Reserves on Tuesday night.

Holbeach: Rigby, Nicholson, Robertson, Oldham, Henderson, Carter, Barnes, Wirkowoski, Davies, Frost, Yambasu. Subs (used) Millinson, Cook and Ibeneme.

Attendance: 120.