Sunshine and goals as Holder's Hadleigh enjoy home comforts
By Derek Davis 9th Oct 2022
Steve Holder admitted he could have barely wished for a better afternoon at sunbathed Millfield as his side netted three goals, three points and a clean sheet.
Hadleigh boss Holder could even afford a smile after physio Paige Flemming got booked for running onto the pitch while play was still going on - not something you see very often.
United even coped well without regular number one Nick Punter whose wife wife started going into labour on game day and Fin Watts stepped in to keep a clean sheet.
"That was important for us today with Punts calling off in the morning. Finn has stepped in and done well," said Holder.
"We are still unbeaten at home, and we have another big game next week with Newmarket."
The manner of the victory was impressive and maintained Hadleigh's unbeaten run at home this season.
"Our home record hurt us last season," said Holder. "We lost too many here and we drew too many that we should have won.
"This season we have kept those clean sheets and killed off games."
Whitton appeared to have weathered Hadleigh's trademark high intensity start, until Owen Betts out in from the right flank to beat the keeper at his near post to open the scoring midway through the first haf.
Betts won a penalty after being triple don his way to goal but Whitton keeper Ben Whiteman made a smart save to his left to deny Jack Baker.
The inevitable second goal came when Ethan Clark hit a tremendous free kick to net against his old club.
Substitute Max Dinnell grabbed the third from close range and Hadleigh cruised to victory.
Holder said: "We controlled the game from start to finish and it could have been a lot more.
"Whitton never really looked like they had a goal in them and they just sat behind the ball.
"We just carried on, made a few changes and we will take the 3-0 and another clean sheet."
The club's togetherness was epitomised deep into the second half when physio Paige leapt into action after Baker went down with a head injury. Unfortunately the referee had not stopped play and booked her for encroachment.
Holder shrugged off the incident and added: "It was a head injury and the ref should have blown the whistle.
"Paige has been brilliant, the club are lucky to have her."
He also picked out the quietly effective midfielder Ethan Mayhew for another impressive performance.
"Ethan Mayhew is a dream player to work with," said Holder. "He goes about his business and is so good. He turns up, no hassle, does everything simple.
"I was also pleased to see Ethan Clarke score against old club, he has been brilliant."
Hadleigh go to Newmarket next Saturday, and then entertain bottom club Haverhill at Millfield on Tuesday, October 18.
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