Football: Anstey still positive as improved Holt miss out on top spot

HOLT JCB missed the chance to go top of the Staffs County Senior League for the first time in their history when they lost to the only goal of the game at Hanley Town on Monday evening.

Holt made several changes from the side that beat Ashbourne at the weekend and they appeared to work as the Rocester team put in a much-improved performance.

Despite some excellent approach play, the young Hanley defence always managed to break up the attacks and, against the run of play, it was the home side who broke the deadlock.

On 32 minutes, a deflection wrong-footed Kev James and allowed Ben Blowers, left, a clear path to goal to open the scoring.

The second half saw plenty of will and effort from Holt as they pushed for the equaliser, but it all proved in vain.

With 20 minutes remaining, manager John Anstey switched to a 3-4-3 formation and his brave change almost paid off when Mark Adams got behind the Hanley defence.

The wide midfielder played a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but Chris Mason couldn't quite reach Adams's pass and it was eventually scrambled off the line by the relieved Town goalkeeper.

Anstey said: "With fixtures coming thick and fast and 15 points still to play for, it is going to be a tough run in, but the door is still open."

Hanley leapfrogged Holt due to Monday's result and now lie joint second in Division One alongside Barton United, who were without a game. Anstey's men are one point adrift of the pair, but have two games in hand on both sides. Table-toppers Northwood Town are a further point ahead, but the leaders have completed their campaign and will now do well to finish in the top four. Manor Inne remain favourites for the title due to games in hand. They recorded their fifth successive victory on Saturday in a 3-2 win over Redgate Clayton Reserves and have played two fewer than Holt yet lie only one point behind Anstey's men.

Holt go to Cheslyn Hay tomorrow to take on Hawkins Sports Youth.

The following Wednesday, Holt face a crunch clash against Manor Inne in a game which could go a long way to deciding the destination of the Division One title.

For the Hawkins fixture, players are asked to meet at the Shire Horse public house at Stafford (by M6 junction) at 1pm.