Magpies off the mark after seeing off Millbrook

BEN Sharpe’s first half finish got the Magpies off the mark at the second attempt with a 1-0 success over visiting Millbrook on Wednesday night.

Holsworthy had been beaten 2-0 by title contenders St Austell four days earlier, but a much-improved attacking display secured a valuable three points.

From Saturday, midfielder Josh Down and attackers Craig Duff and Oscar Knight came in for Jay Thomas, Gabe Rutter (both unavailable) and Jack Japes.

They should have taken the lead inside three minutes as a corner was flicked on to the near post to Gavin Carter, however he could only head against the bar from two yards out.

The Devonians utilised plenty of set-pieces but were unable to apply the finishing touch, while Barnstaple winger Knight – on dual-registration with the Magpies – shot wide after a fine weaving run into the box.

But the goal arrived on 37 minutes as Rory Simmons’ corner to the far post was headed goalwards by Callum Martyn, and although it was saved by Tom Burstow, last year’s top-scorer Sharpe was quickest to react and made no mistake.

The second half continued in the same vain and Sharpe nearly grabbed a second just after the hour when he struck the crossbar from 12 yards following a superb long ball from man-of-the-match Martyn that was played on by Duff.

Clearcut chances were at a premium throughout the second period, and although Millbrook finally put some pressure on in the latter stages via a series of long throws and corners, Holsworthy dealt with them admirably to secure their first three points of the season.

Reflecting on the victory, boss Kevin Squire felt the were much improved going forward.

He said: “It was disappointing to lose to a strong St Austell side on Saturday, so it was important to bounce back. We were poor in attack on Saturday, but we were much better last night and should have had a couple more goals.

“Callum was rightly named man-of-the-match, he was superb and dealt with their strikers superbly, while the front three all made an impact. Oscar was bright, Ben got his goal and Craig did his job, so it was pleasing.

“You don’t want to go two games at home without getting any points, so we can move on to Saturday at Falmouth and hopefully we can put a run together.

“We know they’re a good side with good players and a good manager, but we had two good games against them last year, so we’ll prepare as we always do and go down there and try to get a result.”

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Jeff Anglia, Jedd Peschke (capt), Callum Martyn, George Plumb; Rory Simmons, Gavin Carter, Josh Down; Ben Sharpe, Craig Duff, Oscar Knight. Subs: Josh Pearce, Austin Lewis, Chris Wildern, Jack Japes.

Magpies’ man-of-the-match: Callum Martyn.