HOLSWORTHY assistant boss Richard Haydon felt the Magpies ‘shaded it’ after seeing off top-four hopefuls Wendron United 1-0 on Saturday in SWPL Premier West.

The Devonians won it thanks to Aidan Slade’s 10th minute finish after being played in by Sam Jago, and then kept it tight at the back to record a seventh clean sheet in their last eight league games, a run of form which has seen them lose just once in that time.

Holsworthy had a couple of other chances but ensured Wendron’s free-scoring frontline had a rare off day.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Haydon told the Post: “I think over the 90 minutes we probably shaded it with the chances we created in what were pretty difficult conditions.

“To get three points against a side as good as Wendron was great and it sets up for the final four games of the season – Bude twice, Wendron away and then Torridgeside in the Torridge Cup final on May 1.”

He also praised the match-winner and teenage striker Elis Aldrich, adding: “There were a number of good performances including once again 16-year-old striker Elis Aldrich.

“He caused a few problems and backed it up again on the Sunday as well with the under 18s, but for me the best player on the park was Aidan Slade.

“It was one of, if not his best performances for us. He drove forward, got around the pitch and took his goal well which was great to see.”

Attention now swiftly turns to their league double-header with near neighbours Bude Town.

Two previous attempts to play the clash at Upcott Field this term have been disrupted by the weather, but with the recent dry weather, there should be no problems on Friday night (7.30pm).

They did meet last month in the Torridge Cup semi-final which was decided by Gavin Carter, and Haydon knows the Seasiders, who are now all but safe, will be keen to rectify that stat.

He said: “We know the game will be different to the semi-final and they’ll be buoyed by a superb draw at Dobwalls on Saturday and the point at Launceston, so they’ll have taken a lot of confidence from that.

“We’re confident, especially with how we’ve been going recently, but anyone can beat anyone so we’ll certainly respect them.

“Also they’ll be looking to get their own back after the semi-final, so it’s up to us to match that.”

The two clubs also meet at Bude on Good Friday (11am).