Re-reading our friend's second post, it's clear that he was heading north toward the NDB (ie 360 inbound, or inbound on the 180 radial if you like). That makes it a left turn direct entry to the pattern. I may have confused the issue a bit in my post, by referring to "180 inbound", but I still stand by my comment about the need for a direct entry in this instance.
Any other type of entry would, in my view, not be legitimate. And it might not be contained within the holding pattern's protection area. Begins to look like it might be good idea for our friend to repeat that particular sim session.