SWPL PREMIER WEST (FRIDAY)

Holsworthy 1 Newquay 1

CONSIDERING the circumstances, mid-table Holsworthy produced one of the great results in their recent history on Friday night as they drew 1-1 with third-placed Newquay at Upcott Field.

The Magpies were playing their sixth league match in 13 days and only 24 hours had been beaten 2-0 by Torrington in the Torridge Cup final.

And with a game to come against Wendron less than 24 hours later, manager Ryan Hall called upon a number of the reserves, and boy did they repay him.

Although Newquay understandably enjoyed most of the ball and had some early shots that were either blocked or well saved by teenage keeper Noah Vaughan, the home side were relatively comfortable before their first shot after 25 minutes from Rob Pearce was comfortably saved by Brodie Cole.

Newquay’s Tom Shepherd shot just over seven minutes after the break, and ten minutes later they went in front as the ball fell to left back Josh Evans inside the box, and he turned sub Tom Denford before finding the far corner.

The Peppermints then seemed content to hold on against a home side understandably struggling to create chances against opposition far better than they’re used to.

But to their credit they kept battling and were rewarded with one minute of normal time remaining.

Pearce’s free-kick from the left wasn’t properly cleared, Jacob Nosworthy saw his volley saved by Cole, but substitute Brendan Hearn was on hand to stab the ball in from close range to seal a superb point.

Holsworthy then held on comfortably for a remarkable draw.

HOLSWORTHY: Noah Vaughan, Todd Peschke, Jack Walter, Kieran Jollow; Scott Bingham, Jacob Nosworthy (capt), Tai Wonnacott; Rob Pearce, Dom Abbott, Will Harris. Subs: Tom Denford, Aidan Davis, George Richardson, Kai Baxter, Brendan Hearn.

Holsworthy man of the match: Todd Peschke.