MANAGER Kevin Squire hailed a ‘very positive day’ as Holsworthy return to winning ways with a 2-0 success at bottom side Dobwalls on Saturday.

The Magpies headed to Lantoom Park looking to return to form after a flying start to the season.

Striker Craig Duff has left the club to join Bovey Tracey, but the former Barnstaple Town legend switched things up as he reverted to a 3-5-2 formation and gave a rare start to striker Chris Wildern who went on to put in a fine performance.

The game itself saw Holsworthy dominate from the off as they looked to pass the ball around against a home side desperate for three points.

There was relief in the away camp when dangerman Alex Oshinyemi went down following a tangle with Callum Martyn and George Plumb, a decision which left the hosts furious and the Magpies thanking their lucky stars.

That said, bar that moment, Holsworthy were the better side as top-scorer Ben Sharpe shot wide from 10 yards before Elis Aldrich struck an effort straight at Wayne Hoole when well-placed.

Sharpe and skipper Jedd Peschke could also have done better, but like the first half, the visitors were somewhat shot-shy.

However, the Devonians their goal on the hour in fortuitous circumstances.

Peschke’s superb run out of defence saw the skipper fouled just outside of the box and Gavin Carter’s free-kick dribbled off the wall, leaving Hoole helpless.

Holsworthy continued to create.

Sharpe twice went through but shot wide before seeing an effort saved, while Peschke and brother Todd who was introduced for Wildern, were both denied from headers.

They eventually got their second 10 minutes from time as after Aldrich played in Todd Peschke, Hoole saved his only effort only for Sharpe to put away the follow-up from a tight angle.

There was still time for a brilliant volley from the edge of the box from sub Rob Pearce that struck the post as Holsworthy moved up to sixth.

Squire hailed the performance as well as the three points.

He said: “It was a very positive day and it was good to get back to winning ways.

“I was also pleased with the performance and the work-rate was really good.

“We played some decent passing football at times, and although you could tell we had lost a couple of games recently and that the players had lost a bit of confidence when going for goal, we did really well and hopefully we can kick on from here.”

He continued: “It was a really good team performance from one to 14. Everyone worked really hard and it’s no surprise when that happens, results happen.

“As for standouts, Sam Hill was our man-of-the-match and had a really solid game at right wing-back, Chris Wildern very well up front and really held the ball up well for us, and George Plumb was good in defence.

“He looks a very good player having come in recently, and I’m excited to see how he develops over the coming weeks.”

Holsworthy have this weekend off before hosting Camelford next Saturday (November 29).

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Jedd Peschke (capt), Callum Martyn, George Plumb; Sam Hill, Gavin Carter, Jay Thomas, Elis Aldrich, Will Harris; Ben Sharpe, Chris Wildern. Subs: Rob Pearce, Ben Grech, Todd Peschke.

Magpies’ man-of-the-match: Sam Hill.