文章基本信息

标题：Football: HOLT'S HOT
作者：JAMES COLLINS
期刊名称：Sunday Mirror
印刷版ISSN：0956-8077
出版年度：2004
卷号：Dec 5, 2004
出版社：Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd.

Football: HOLT'S HOT

JAMES COLLINS

GRANT HOLT'S second-half brace clinched Rochdale's place in the third round at the expense of 10-man Stevenage.

Holt opened the scoring with a neat header and he added a late second after home goalkeeper Andy Woodman was sent off for a professional foul three minutes from time.

Stevenage boss Graham Westley refused to be downhearted afterwards.

"For an hour it was a fairly even contest," said Westley.

"You could say that they had the better possession, but both sides struggled to create any real chances. Grant Holt was a real goal threat, but I thought it was a tad unfair when his second goal went in. Our situation didn't help matters. We've got three influential figures missing, such as Antony Elding, who has the ability to score crucial goals.

"To lose big players is a massive loss to a side at our level, there's no question of that.

"Anything other than the first round is a bonus. Everyone sees the third round in front of them, but we have to make sure disappointment doesn't affect our league form."

Unlike the majority of lower league managers, Rochdale boss Steve Parkin is desperate to avoid a money-spinning trip to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in the third round.

"First and foremost I want to progress in this competition," said Parkin. "I know the chairman would like a Premiership team in the next round, but I'd rather not.

"The confidence is high at present and all I want to do is go as far as possible in the Cup."

Stevenage created the first chance when Michael Brough unleashed a strike which flashed wide.

Dale were unable to stamp their authority on the game, although Ernest Cooksey threatened with a long-range effort.

Holt brought a disappointing half to a close with a 20-yard effort which failed to trouble the keeper. Cooksey was unable to make the most of a quick counter-attack before Leo Bertos struck the woodwork.

However, Dale kept up the pressure and they opened the scoring in the 70th minute.

The 22-year-old Bertos crossed from the right and Holt made no mistake.

Stevenage keeper Woodman was dismissed late on for a foul on Bertos, and Holt made the game safe.

FACUP 3rd ROUND DRAW TODAY:

BBC1, Sky Sports News and BBC Radio Five Live (4pm)