Holt emerged from a trip into the unknown with a narrow victory over Bedford Queens in the fifth round of The EDF Junior Vase.

Bedford Queens 3, Holt 6

Holt emerged from a trip into the unknown with a narrow victory over Bedford Queens in the fifth round of The EDF Junior Vase.

The pitch resembled a paddy field, with pools of water lying around, but at least the rain had stopped by the start.

Holt played into the wind for the first half and started the game on an encouraging note, adapting well to the conditions.

Although there was no scoring for a long time, Holt were showing signs that they had the equal of their opponents and after 20 minutes, very nearly took the lead when Allen made an excellent run from the half-way line, only to be stopped five metres out.

From the tackle which was deemed to be illegal, Holt were awarded a penalty in a very kickable position which was not converted. Holt then lost a good chance by being penalised for not releasing. From this let-off, the home side put Holt under pressure and returned the compliment by missing a penalty five minutes later, but atoned for this just short of half-time to go 3-0 up.

They then missed another kick right on the break and at the whistle Holt had done well to keep the score down.

With the elements on their side for the second half the visitors were playing with confidence and after 20 minutes Allen was on target with a penalty to level the scores at 3-3.

Holt now had to keep their composure because the game was there for the taking and Allen did the job for them with an excellent penalty conversion from just inside the Queens' half to give them a 6-3 lead with seven minutes remaining.

Although Queens tried to break down the Holt defence, it was to no avail and visitors finished the game as they had begun it by putting their opponents under pressure.

When the final whistle went, the team were elated at having won a hard fought contest to progress to the sixth round, which is what they reached last season.