HOLSWORTHY having been drawn away at North Devon rivals Bideford in the Devon St Luke’s Bowl semi-finals on Wednesday, April 8.

While both clubs are separated by less than 30 miles – Holsworthy have been in the South West Peninsula League for the last 20-plus years, while on the flip side, the Robins have been in Southern League Division One South since 2018 having previously spent three seasons in the Southern League Premier Division.

Bideford, who thrashed neighbours Barnstaple Town 4-0 in last year’s final, are solidly in mid-table, while Holsworthy are halfway in SWPL Premier West following Saturday’s postponement at home to Sticker.

It represents a monumental task for the Magpies who knocked out Bideford’s league rivals Brixham on penalties in the last round, while earlier in the competition, Holsworthy won 4-2 at Crediton United before being handed a walkover by Axminster Town.

The other semi-final will see Plymouth Parkway visit Tiverton Town or Bovey Tracey who are due to meet on Tuesday night (January 27, 7.30pm).

Reflecting on the draw, Holsworthy boss Kevin Squire said: “It’s a great draw for us as any of the teams would have been really tough.

“It’d have been nice to get a home draw but we’re going to a really good club with lots of great people, and it’s a good chance for us to test ourselves against another team from two leagues above.”

Holsworthy are due to be back in league action on Saturday when they visit a Wendron United side who are also on 26 points from 18 outings.

Squire added: “Both sides have not been in the best of form over the last couple of months, but the rain is killing it for everybody at the moment.

“But the squad’s happy and we’ve been training well, so let’s hope we start getting some games played.”