HOLSWORTHY’S hopes of retaining their Torridge Cup crown were ended last night as league below Appledore ran out deserved 2-1 winners in the final at Torrington.

The Magpies might play in the South West Peninsula League Premier East at Step Six, but had no answer to their opponents who created plenty of chances throughout.

Holsworthy did take a fourth minute lead through Gavin Carter’s header, but were pegged back by the tenth minute as midfielder Phil Kelly hammered in.

Appledore were dominant, although Carter’s glorious opportunity from six yards in the first half should have gone in.

The Devon League North/East Division side eventually got the winner 12 minutes into the second half when former Barnstaple Town skipper and the best player on the pitch by a distance, Brian Levien, curled over a cross from the left that Kelly headed in.

Holsworthy huffed and puffed, and although sub Jacob Nosworthy had a decent chance late on, Appledore keeper William Tallamy was a virtual spectator as the trophy swapped hands.

See next week’s Post for a full report and reaction from Holsworthy joint boss Ryan Hall.