HOLLAND FC joint-boss Jon Willis believes his talented young group are quickly learning the art of “game management”.

The coastal side won 4-2 at home to Wisbech St Mary, in a Thurlow Nunn League first division contest at the Rush Green Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

It ended a six-game run without a league victory and came courtesy of Steve Eaton’s hat-trick and a goal from Jimmy Shuttlewood.

Now Willis has called for patience as his young side continue to progress.

“We’ve got such a young squad and they will make mistakes,” he said.

“There will be situations like the other night, at Oakley (Holland lost 3-2, despite leading 2-0).

“These boys haven’t necessarily experienced games like that before, where you’re winning and up against ten men.

“However, they’re learning about game management.

“They’re eager to go and win games but they haven’t got the experience to see matches out.

“People need to remember where we’re coming from and patience will be all-important.

“But they’re learning all the time and just think how good they’ll be in a couple of years, if we keep working hard and keep this group together.”

Willis has been pleased to introduce more youngsters to his squad in the last couple of weeks.

Full-back or midfielder Zach Smith-Walter has joined on a loan arrangement from FC Clacton.

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Harry Finch has also joined on loan from Stanway Rovers while defender Josh Lake, 18, has been recruited on a permanent basis from The Hawthorns outfit.

“They’re talented boys who are capable of playing at a level above,” added Willis, who runs the side with joint-boss Rob Batten.

“But they’re young and they’re going to gain valuable experience here.

“I’ll help them and they can help us, so it’s a two-way thing.

“It’s a two or three-year plan here and if these players keep playing for the rest of this season, they’ll learn so much.

“I think it’s great but people need to be patient.

“Some will see the results online or in the paper and judge us but hopefully those that witness performances like the other night will understand and get behind the boys.

“It’s about reminding everyone – the players included – that it’s about looking at the bigger picture.”

Holland visit Woodbridge Town tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) and head to Whitton United on Saturday.

Ironically, those two sides are currently top of the table.

Woodbridge have a three-point lead over their Suffolk neighbours, with both having won 20 of their 24 games.