HOLSWORTHY boss Ryan Hall feels his side will have to be ‘at our best’ when they visit bottom side Launceston in SWPL Premier West on Saturday (3pm).

Both sides go into the game in poor form with the hosts bottom of the table, while the Magpies, following a good start, have nosedived in recent weeks and are in danger of falling towards the bottom two.

Hall was talking on Wednesday after his side’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Truro City Reserves at the weekend, a game in which they took the lead just after the hour through Ben Sharpe.

However, goals from Ben Shaw and Jack Bowyer ensured the Devonians headed home without any reward.

Reflecting on Saturday, Hall said: “The pitch was a great opportunity for both sides to play football and the game started off in that vein.

“We played some really good stuff in the opening stages, but midway through the half, the game became very stretched, mainly due to the distances on such a large pitch.

“The game going as it did, allowed for plenty of good openings which were not converted by either side. “Going in at half-time, I felt we had given a good account of ourselves, striking the bar a couple of times, maintaining a fair amount of control and asserting ourselves well for large periods.”

Holsworthy were missing skipper Jedd Peschke and attacker Gavin Carter due to suspension, as was Jack Tribble who is serving a 16-game ban following a red card in a Sunday League game, plus influential defender Ollie Moores.

That gave chances to several players, most of whom took their chance.

Hall added: “Particularly in midfield we played very well, with both second team players Scott Bingham and Jake Cartwright giving great accounts of themselves, showing energy and control. Callum Martyn also did very well at full-back against the lively Liam Higgins who's sure to be a name to watch in the future.

Hall accepts results haven’t been good enough, but feels there are mitigating factors.

He said: “Yes we have been on a poor run, which is ultimately down to our ill-discipline and availability, we currently have three suspended – one for over 10 games – which is a tough one to take.

“We also have two (Aidan Slade and Max McDonald) on long-term holidays and others missing through injury and work.

“On Saturday we had seven regular first teamers away which does have an impact on our squad, especially with our budget and set-up. We don’t have the luxury of being able to go and sign five to replace them.

“We do however have a second and third team and its actually been a pleasure giving them the opportunity to step up and play our level and as always, they give a great account of themselves.

Credit also goes to the second team manager Adam (Wosnitzka) for prepping them to the level they can just step up seamlessly to us.”

Hall knows there will be bumps in the road, expects it to become easier in time.

He said: “We have to just keep going, we're a sum of our parts and we cannot do anymore.

“We just have to keep pushing on, keep working hard and the tide will turn. Everyone has a blip in a season, unfortunately that’s just how the land lies at the moment. Keep calm and carry on as they say!”

A decent crowd is expected at Pennygillam on Saturday and Hall isn’t getting too carried away despite Launceston’s lowly position.

He said: “All local derbies are big games, Saturday is no different. As we know Launceston are probably not where they would like to be, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

“I expect a tough game as always, that will never change. They have an experienced manager, who knows what it takes to win games of football, so league position is completely irrelevant.

“I look forward to the game and we will go there with confidence as always, hoping to get three points.

“We know we'll have to be at our best in order to do so and the lads understand the assignment.”