ENGLISH import Lewis Holloway made an immediate impact on the competition with a three-goal cameo inspiring a stunning comeback by Myrtleford in a thrilling 4-2 victory yesterday.
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Last year’s beaten cup finalists went to the break trailing 2-0 against Albury United at Jelbart Park.
A superb strike by Mitch Jones and then a booming left foot by Jayden Scammell that found the top right of the net had given the Green Machine the ascendency in the first 45 minutes.
But Savoy coach Nathan Mirt called on Holloway for his first run in the seniors at the break.
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The game turned on his inclusion with Myrtleford hitting the front with 10 minutes to play, despite missing a penalty.
“I wasn’t sure he was ready but I couldn’t have been more wrong,” Mirt said.
“We needed something and I turned to Lewis, who had played in the reserves.
“But we always thought we were in the contest, I missed two one-on-ones with the keeper in the first half that should have had us level.
“I said to the boys we needed to be patient, disciplined and work for each other.
“From about the 10-minute mark of the second half I felt we had their measure.”
Alex Murrel up front and another Englishman, George Taylor, had looked threatening in the first half despite the Savoy remaining scoreless.
Albury United coach Adam Carty couldn’t explain the second half fadeout.
“It’s one thing when you play bad all day but when you play well for 45 minutes and then just don’t turn up for the second half you are left at a bit of a loss,” he said.
“They played really well in the second half but it was like we had two different teams out there today.
“In the first half we scored two quality goals but then we made a few bad decisions early in the second half and after that they just dominated possession.”
Mirt said it was a great way to go to the Easter break.
“After losing the first two we have bounced back and to finish with a win against a quality team like United is great for the confidence,” he said.
“We know that we are only going to get better and the second half today is hopefully a sign of the future.”