THE previous Saturday, Holsworthy had to be content with a 0-0 draw at home to Newton Abbot Spurs and this midweek local derby was crucial in their bid to put a bit of breathing space between them and the other teams fighting to avoid the one relegation place from the Premier Division, writes Alistair Clements.

Alas for supporters of the Magpies they failed to gain the three points. Launceston had little to play for other than pride, being in a comfortable mid-table position, but local derbies are local derbies. The result was not ideal for Holsworthy. In normal circumstances an away draw would be considered acceptable but this was rather a case of two points lost rather than one gained.

Truth be told, Holsworthy benefitted from wayward Launceston finishing but they hung on in there to collect a point which hard work at least justified.

With Captain Stuart Rickard out injured, Matt Penry came into the team for a start after a lengthy injury lay-off himself. Well he could be a useful experienced settling influence.

After ten minutes Launceston flashed the ball across the face of the goal but no-one could connect and their dominance continued with a header just over the bar. The Magpies' Lee Morgan though broke the deadlock with a fine cross from the wing, the Launceston 'keeper parried but Steve Hackett was on hand to head home, this followed with a fine interpassing movement between Anthony Giordani and Levi Landricombe, whose long range shot whistled just wide of the post.

Morgan was pushed by a defender for a Holsworthy free kick which passed just over the bar. Morgan although small in stature is an under-rated player who has a hand in Holsworthy's attacks in a significant number of cases.

Control was not easy on a dry bumpy pitch but obviously it was the same for both sides such that accurate passing was needed if not always achieved.

Half time came with Holsworthy one goal to the good and this remained the case thanks to a superb save by Dean Chidley tipping a rasping drive over the bar. When Launceston were awarded a penalty Chidley again came to the rescue when he saved the resultant spot kick. He could though do nothing when a through-ball set up Liam Tilley to equalise.

For most of the second half Launceston pressed forward but poor finishing failed to add to their score. Right on full time Holsworthy had a confident claim for a penalty turned down when a defender handled but ultimately a draw was a fair result.

Holsworthy's Man of the Match was a tie between Chidley's continuing form in goal and Lee Rundle who in the centre of the defence won every high ball and gave an impressive performance.

All connected with Holsworthy AFC were sad to hear of the death of Des Shadrick and before the third team's match at home to Woolsery on Sunday there was a minute's silence and the flag was flown at half-mast.