PIDDLETRENTHIDE SPARTANS 2 HOLT UNITED 4

HOLT took another step towards the Dorset Senior League title with a hard-fought win at the Spartans.

They blew away their hosts with a blistering start, opening the scoring eight minutes in when Nick Gregg, back in goal for Dan Quinault, let a Steve Llewellyn free-kick squirm into the net.

The onslaught continued for another five minutes and when Mike Haskell went over under a challenge from Jack Thompson the referee pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Thomas Gagan but his spot-kick came back off the post and the score stayed at 1-0.

A change in shape saw the Spartans get a foothold in the game and the equaliser came in the 25th minute.

Some neat wing play from Neil Kellaway saw the ball fall to Nick Paul six yards out and he made no mistake for his first of the season.

It was now all Spartans but they lacked a killer edge in the final third with Holt’s two centre-backs dominant.

However, the game changed again on 40 minutes when the visitors were awarded another penalty after a second coming together between Haskell and Thompson in the home box.

This time Sam Lockyer fired home to make it 2-1.

And just two minutes later a deflated Spartans defence got themselves in a twist and the lethal Haskell added a third.

The Spartans started the second period the better side and it was their turn to earn a penalty following a trip on Carl Lewis.

Marcus Simpson stepped up but he saw his effort saved.

Kellaway did cut the deficit to one on 68 minutes, firing home having been played in by Simpson.

Holt went very defensive from this point on but the Spartans, who lost Jay Samways to injury, ran out of steam in the last 15 minutes and were unable to find an equaliser.

Holt took control and Tony Maguire seized on a loose pass to make the game safe.

Spartans boss Kieron Howes said: “Holt are the best side I’ve seen at this level since Mere were down here.

“The core of the side were a step above and you can see they have all played at Wessex League level or above.

“Our lads just need to keep improving the way they are. Again we had an average outfield age of 23 on Saturday so we have a way to go yet before we hit our best.”

Spartans: Gregg, Lewis, Hill, Seal, Thompson (Limm), C Kellaway, Washington, Paul (Howes), Simpson, N Kellaway, Samways (Revell). Sub not used: Edgar.

Firestop SouthWest man of the match: Dave Washington