Happy Holder as Hadleigh too hot for Thetford
By Derek Davis
14th Aug 2022 | Local Sport
Two of Steve Holder's summer signings had a big bearing on this red hot 2-1 win over table-topping Thetford.
Liam Wales grabbed the winner, after providing an early assist for Jake Eady to head in to secure United's first win of the season.
Meanwhile, former Chelmsford City striker Owen Betts' no show gave Joel Glover an opportunity to keep his place and find his form, which he did and his input up front was vital.
Wales put in a perfectly flighted ball from a corner for defender Jake Eady to head in after just two minutes.
Former Bury Town, Sudbury and Whitton United midfielder, Wales showed great footwork to skip through the Town defence to hit a delightfully taken winner just after the hour.
Doing his homework also paid off for Holder after he spotted a chink in the previously unbeaten Thetford when he scouted them in midweek.
Holder said: "We went to watch them Tuesday night against Soham and they conceded early then so we we went after them early
"We were much better first half and they have only had one shot and scored which is annoying because we warned about their centre half Nathan Clarke at corners and it was him that headed it across for their goal."
Astute tactics also played a part for the Brettsiders against Thetford who had former Cambridge United star striker John Taylor in the dug out as assistant manager.
"It is no good us going toe to toe with some teams so we had a game plan, which worked for us," said Holder.
"We used the same last season with personnel that aren't as good as the players we have now and it worked.
"We also have another formation which we can use against other teams so we don't get picked off."
Not having a settled side doesn't help but Nick Punter's return was welcomed as he made a couple of vital stops at key moments
"Having Punts back was huge, because he is safe and confident and one of the best keepers in the league.
"Three called off first thing but we still managed to have strong bench."
Although not on the scoresheet Hadleigh's front two Joel Glover and Kyron Andrews were much improved from last week, holding the ball up well, linking play and closing down well.
Holder admitted he had considered benching Glover due to his recent form, but when summer signing Owen Betts called in late on to say his wife had put diesel instead of petrol in their car and he was stuck on the M25, the Brettsiders' number nine was given a reprieve.
"Joel was much better today," said Holder. "I believe in Joel and when he plays like he is among the best around."
After a league defeat at Long Melford, and horrible cup exit to Mildenhall last week, Holder was delighted to get a result he felt has been coming.
"It is good to get the first three points of the season after two defeats, which were probably down to not respecting our opponents enough and being short of players.
"I didn't want to put pressure on the boys but we have asked for three wins in five and we are still on course for that."
He was also grateful to the work of groundsmen Mervyn Bignell and Martin Hawes who ensured the Millfield pitch was as good as any around at the moment.
Thurlow Nunn referees had been advised that they could call off matches if they deemed the pitch not playable due to the high temperatures. Holder was delighted that the Millfield pitch was more than up to scratch with its green stripes, helped by water from the nearby River Brett.
Holder said: "The refs had an email but our pitch had been well watered and looked after so we were fine, and I'm really glad we got it on."
Hadleigh now have a run of games away from home for the rest of August but return to Millfield on 3 September with tasty local derby with Brantham Athletic.
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