SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Holsworthy 0 Newquay 1

THE Magpies pushed the league leaders all the way on Saturday before going down to a 1-0 defeat to the league leaders at Upcott Field.

Holsworthy were looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 defeat at bottom side Millbrook and were able to welcome back skipper Jedd Peschke and Gavin Carter, while Max McDonald came in at left-back.

Their was a minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of Tanya Peschke who had recently passed away.

On a pitch which was incredibly soft but playable, it meant the visitors were unable to play their usual free-flowing football.

That said, they did dominate the opening 15 minutes and within 30 seconds they saw a shot from 18 yards cleared off the line by McDonald.

But a goal was coming and in the tenth minute they went ahead with a rapid break. After Callum Martyn’s shot was parried by Brodie Cole, the Peppermints advanced up field where Phil Lowry played in Callam McOnie who’s shot from 16 yards was well saved by Ryan Chadwick. However, the ball went up in the air and landed just inside the post.

Holsworthy felt they should have had a penalty when Dean Hutchings went down inside the box, before on the 20-minute mark neat play between Jay Thomas and Carter ended with the latter shooting straight at Cole.

On 27 minutes Callum Martyn’s scuffed shot across goal was just out of the reach of a sliding Hutchings, before Lowry went close at the other end but his effort went narrowly wide.

Holsworthy put together several corners in a five-minute spell before half-time, but Newquay were rarely troubled as the half came to an end.

The second 45 was comparatively dull with chances at a premium at both ends.

Neither keeper was seriously tested as the points headed back across the border.

Reflecting on the game, Holsworthy assistant boss Richard Haydon told the Post: “We were disappointed not to get a point as they didn’t create a lot.

“But with the position we’re in at the moment we don’t seem to be getting that bit of luck you need.

“That said, we were much improved from the Millbrook game and although conditions meant it was never going to be a free-flowing game, we played well.”

Haydon also praised striker Sam Jago.

He said: “Sam’s work-rate was unbelievable, particularly off the ball. He was often up front by himself when we were defending but he never stopped.”

Holsworthy have won just one of their last 14 league games as they’ve dropped to 12th in the table, and Haydon knows the coming weeks are crucial.

He said: “We’ve got Wadebridge away on Saturday (2.15pm) which is always tough, but then we’ve got some winnable home games to follow.

“There’s 11 games left but we know that if we can pick up some points against the teams around us then we’ll be fine.

“But we need to go out there and do it. If we can perform like we did on Saturday against the lesser teams then the points should come!”

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Callum Martyn, Jedd Peschke (capt), Ollie Moores, Max McDonald; Toby Martyn, Sam Hill, Jay Thomas; Gavin Carter, Sam Jago, Dean Hutchings. Subs: Aidan Slade, Jonny Lang, Todd Peschke, Jacob Nosworthy.

Holsworthy man of the match: Sam Jago.