SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Holsworthy 1 Truro City Reserves 0

MAX McDonald got the all-important goal as Holsworthy earned a dogged victory over Truro City Reserves.

The Magpies were looking to build on their 1-0 success at Wadebridge Town a week earlier, and once again a solitary goal was enough to see Ryan Hall’s side move up to eighth, 12 points clear of the bottom two.

Hall was without key defender Ollie Moores which meant Sam Hill dropped back alongside skipper Jedd Peschke, but Jay Thomas was available again and slotted in at the base of the midfield three.

There was a spot on the bench for midfielder Craig Penberthy having rejoined the club from Okehampton Argyle in the week.

An incredibly soft pitch meant it was never going to be a thriller, although Holsworthy’s first half performance saw them create chances.

On ten minutes Gavin Carter shot just wide from 20 yards before at the other end, Rob Wearne had an effort blocked behind by Sam Hill.

A slight headed touch from a visiting defender from a Carter corner denied the hosts the lead on 20 minutes before the game turned into a war of attrition.

Visiting keeper Morgan Jones had to be at his best on 40 minutes to claw out a header destined for the top corner, but Holsworthy won it when Sam Jago’s super ball across the 18-yard box was tapped in at the far post by McDonald.

Truro piled on the pressure in the final 15 minutes, but Holsworthy were rarely troubled on another good day for the Upcott Field outfit.

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

Holsworthy man of the match: Jedd Peschke.