AFTER Holsworthy's creditable performance in midweek against a competent higher division Western League side Willand Rovers, in the St. Lukes Bowl Cup Competition, which although being lost 3-1 (not helped by two bad goalkeeping errors), hopes were high of a positive outcome in Saturday's game at one-time pre-eminent Cornish side, St. Blazey, a Club sporting six former Holsworthy players, and last season's Joint Manager.

Halfway through the first half it was realised that the regular scribes were not present, hence a first report from yours faithfully, Alistair Clements. Twenty five years in television is one thing, objective football reporting is something else, "objective" being the by-word.

The loss of three important players, two through suspension for which we can make no excuses and one through injury, did not help the cause but the return of Dean Chidley in goal received total approval. Just as well, as he played a blinder and made a dozen important saves behind a defence which was really not at the races in the first 45 minutes. Had it not been for his display, a half-time deficit of four or five goals would not have been unreasonable.

As it was, only one was conceded with little pressure being applied at the other end on the former Holsworthy 'keeper Tom Blackler, who for much of the half could have stood in the queue at the tea bar. Nice pasties at Blazey!

The second half was a different affair, positional changes strengthened the defence and within a minute or two a flashing shot just past the post nearly equalised the score. The ball then went the length of the pitch only for a Holsworthy defender to all but score from a pass back from near the corner flag. It would have been the own goal of the season had it gone in.

Shortly after, in the 67th minute, a defender slipped allowing Danny Zallick (last season at Holsworthy) to score his second (his first was a mile offside as admitted by even Blazey's staunchest supporters!). Immediately afterwards Lee Morgan burst through for Holsworthy but was denied by a fine save by Blackler. Steve Hackett then drew an equally fine save from Blackler as Holsworthy put their first half blues behind them and pressed forward with intent.

Many, including Blazey's supporters, were expecting the score to be equalised but alas it was not to be, although Holsworthy got onto the scoresheet with a penalty from Lee Rundle which gave Blackler no chance.

The return of Gavin Cornish was warmly applauded but another penalty was awarded, unfortunately this time to St Blazey and was put away by Zallick for his hat-trick. Such a pity he could not produce such a display whilst at Holsworthy. This goal sealed the result but it was left to Blazey's Richard Maddison (surprise, surprise at Holsworthy last season) to provide last minute entertainment by needlessly reacting to a clumsy tackle and getting himself sent off. At least he would have been first in the bath.

Maddison must have had enough of playing against his former club as in the home game a few weeks ago at Upcott Field, he sustained a nasty injury and the game had to be delayed 30 minutes or so whilst the air ambulance was called. Thankfully his injuries on that occasion were found to be much less serious than at first feared.

The sending off was all the more unfortunate as up to that moment there had been no bookings and no real transgressions in a game played in good spirit and well handled by the referee. The 3-1 loss was disheartening as with more potency up front and better midfield control, the result could have been different.

Man of the Match by a country mile was Dean Chidley, Lee Morgan worked hard as usual and receives less credit than he deserves. The central defenders played solidly after the re-organisation and Alan Clarke did as well as could be expected. If the side continues its second half performance in the next home game the result could well be very different.

On a more important note than the result of one football match, Club Chairman Barry Parrish's wife, Ange, has been seriously unwell recently, everyone at the Club, Supporters, Players, Officials and Committee wish her well and hope to see her back at the Club as soon as possible. Similarly Des Shadrick who is also hopefully on the mend.