SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Holsworthy 0 Penzance 0

HOLSWORTHY made it three games unbeaten as they held high-flying Penzance to a goalless draw at Upcott Field.

The Devon-based Magpies, who had beaten both Wadebridge Town and Truro City Reserves 1-0 recently, created the better chances but had to settle for a point.

Home boss Ryan Hall gave a first start to Craig Penberthy in midfield following his move back from Okehampton Argyle, while they switched to a 3-5-2 with defender Ollie Moores also coming into the starting 11.

There was also a first appearance on the bench for teenage striker Elis Aldrich who has arrived from Tiverton.

Holsworthy started brightly and inside a minute should have gone in front as some neat play between several players ended with Max McDonald putting a guilt-edged chance wide at the far post from Gavin Carter.

Aidan Slade shot straight at Mikey Flores when well-placed in the box on eight minutes before the game turned scrappy.

The visitors had a couple of long-range shots as the half drew to a close, but it remained goalless.

The hosts went close again on 57 minutes as Jay Thomas shot wide from 20 yards after good play by Carter, before Thomas’ corner struck the post five minutes later.

Possession was enjoyed mainly by Holsworthy with Penberthy putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the middle of the park, but the game ended goalless.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Holsworthy assistant boss Rich Haydon said: “It was a good point for us against a team fourth in the league, and on another day it could have been all three.”

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

Holsworthy man of the match: Craig Penberthy.