HOLSWORTHY boss Ryan Hall wants his side to be ‘switched on and streetwise’ when the Magpies welcome Bude Town on Boxing Day in SWPL Premier West (11am).

Both sides are solidly in mid-table having enjoyed mixed fortunes so far, but Hall wants his side to rise to the challenge for the club’s biggest home game of the season.

He said: “Boxing Day is always an exciting game, it’s one of the few times of year when the local area comes together to support both clubs and is a lifeline in terms of revenue.

“Both clubs find themselves in similar positions in the league, Bude with a revamped side, full of fresh ideas and us going into the game off of a difficult period, but a very positive result last time out against St Day.”

Hall wants his side to show everybody what they are made of, but feels the Seasiders may have some help, adding: “With the Barnstaple game against Ilfracombe being played later in the afternoon, I fully expect some fresh faces injected into the Bude side and we will try to prepare for both eventualities. I’m aware of their threats, particularly in Rocco Dyer who was one of the main players for me when I operated the Under-18s set up here at Holsworthy.

“But one thing I can promise is that it will be a tight, nervy affair, passion will be high and both teams will try and win the game.”

Last year’s Good Friday clash at Upcott Field attracted a crowd of well over 700 as part of the SWPL Groundhop, and although a figure that size is unlikely, dealing with the emotion will be key.

Hall concluded: “Looking ahead to the game I want the complete performance. It’s very easy to get carried away in these games, we need to manage the game, manage the crowd and be clever with our decision making.

“We will have a plan for the game and it will be down to us to execute it. I expect them to try and impose themselves physically, to get the ball forwards quickly and put us under pressure from the off, so we need to be switched on and street-wise!”

Bude make the short trip along the A3072 and boss Steve Hackett hopes his side can spoil the home party.

He said: “The lads are buzzing for this one, there should be a bumper crowd and these are the sorts of games that any players should relish to try and gain the local bragging rights.

“Holsworthy again are a strong side, they don’t concede too many goals and their form of late hasn’t been as good as they would probably like, so we will try and have a go at them and see what happens.

“But Ryan (Hall) is doing good job over there; he’s recruited well and again their club is run brilliantly with their impressive youth system and outlook of using reserve players who have performed well, plus bringing in young players to gain essential experience.”

He continued: “We have a big squad available for this game and there’s healthy competition for places - there’s no guarantees on who starts and it’s all down to their performances, commitment and training.

“The lads know the importance of games like this where we want to play well like we have been lately, but giving that extra 10% as we know Holsworthy will be fired up and wanting to beat us at their place.

“I’ve played in Boxing Day derbies myself and sometimes form can go out the window, it can be more about who wants it the most and who is willing to battle hardest and come out on top so mentality is key for this one.”