TORRIDGE CUP SEMI-FINAL AT TORRINGTON AFC (THURSDAY)

Holsworthy 1 Bude Town 0

GAVIN Carter got the all-important goal as Holsworthy reached a fourth successive final with a narrow victory over rivals Bude Town.

The former Morwenstow former slotted home from six yards after just eight minutes to set up a showdown with Torridgeside or North Molton who meet on Thursday night.

The Seasiders played well for long spells and were a particular threat down the right-hand side, and despite hitting the bar and forcing Ryan Chadwick into a fine save, they couldn’t send the tie into extra-time.

Holsworthy v Bude football.
Both teams prepare to come out on to the pitch. Picture: Bude Town AFC (Bude Town AFC)

Holsworthy went into the game off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to visiting Camelford, while Bude who are now in danger of getting dragged towards the bottom two in SWPL Premier West, were beaten 2-1 by fellow strugglers Millbrook.

A decent crowd of approaching 150 made their way into North Devon, but the opening exchanges passed off without much incident before a bizarre goal that ultimately decided the game.

Magpies goalkeeper Chadwick sent down a booming clearance which was allowed to bounce behind the defence.

Holsworthy v Bude Torridge Cup
Bude Town captain Ewan Reeves keeps a close eye on Holsworthy match-winner Gavin Carter. Picture: Bude Town AFC (Bude Town AFC)

Right winger Carter gambled and challenged Ty Rowe in the air before winning the contest and slotting home from six yards.

Shocked into life, Bude’s young guns then started to showcase their talents with plenty of joy coming down their right-hand side.

Chances soon arrived with them being incredibly unlucky on both occasions. First, Callum Deemer saw his 25-yard drive which was destined for the corner, tipped away by Chadwick, before teenage midfielder Jake Woodland rattled the underside of the bar from similar range.

Holsworthy v Bude Town AFC.
The contest was scrappy for long spells with both sides looking to get the upper hand in the centre of the field. Picture: Bude Town AFC (Bude Town AFC)

Holsworthy were far from pleased with their performance in the opening 45, but despite being far from their best in the second, they did at least look like doubling their lead.

Sam Jago was forced wide after being played through, then subtitute Ben Sharpe slotted past Rowe in a one-on-one situation, only to be flagged for offside.

A further chance, this time from a corner, saw right-back Callum Martyn’s header clip the bar.

Once again Bude had the lion’s-share of possession, but unlike the first half failed to seriously test Chadwick as Holsworthy, albeit without being anywhere close to their best, progressed.

Reflecting on the game on Friday morning, Magpies assistant boss Rich Haydon admitted it was mixed emotions.

He said: “We’re obviously delighted to be through to the final and for the fourth year in a row which is no mean achievement.

“Credit to Bude, they played some good football at times and were decent in possession, but probably didn’t quite have that cutting edge, although they’ll understandably feel they deserved more.

“For us we’re happy to be through but didn’t really reach our recent performances, but at the end of the day we got the job done!”

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Callum Martyn, Jedd Peschke (capt), Sam Hill, Kieran Jollow; Jay Thomas, Craig Penberthy, Max McDonald; Gavin Carter, Sam Jago, Todd Peschke. Subs: Aidan Slade, Jacob Nosworthy, Dean Hutchings, Ben Sharpe, Elis Aldrich.

BUDE TOWN: Ty Rowe; Archie Perrott, James Wheeler, Ewan Reeves (capt); Harrison Swatton, Aled Thomas, Jake Woodland, Steve Box, Fin Haste; Callum Deemer, Dylan Morgan. Subs: Connor Jenkins, Jamie Gorst, Aaron Hart, Aaron White, Jago Tweitman.

Men of the match: Holsworthy – Jedd Peschke; Bude Town – Jake Woodland.