IVYBRIDGE were fourth in the table and a side of some repute, Holsworthy nearer the bottom so a walk-over for Ivybridge perhaps? Far from it, they must have been mightily pleased to have gone home with a point after a Holsworthy second half display the equal of any this season, writes Alistair Clements.

Joint Manager Keith Rickard and son Stuart, the Captain, perhaps had something to prove both being former Ivybridge players. Stuart, short of stature ran so much, as he does typically, that he probably wore his legs down by two inches.

The Holsworthy side worked as hard as any team and really deserved to take all three points but luck was not on their side. On another day they could have netted half a dozen.

Ivybridge started the brighter with a hopeful punt straight from the kick-off, passing harmlessly for a goal kick followed by a Holsworthy back pass then played forward to split the Ivybridge defence only for their 'keeper to save from Levi Landricombe.

On the half hour Ivybridge's Bailey brought down Alan Clarke but the ball was shot over the bar from the resultant free kick.

A poor goal kick resulted and was picked up by Stuart Rickard in midfield, played to Levi Landricombe, whose chip over the 'keeper went just wide. Ivybridge's right midfielder went past Dean Chidley in Holsworthy's goal but Steven Murphy did well to get back to clear a likely goal. Chidley then produced the save of the match pushing a shot round the post from Ivybridge's Coombes.

Just before half time Ivybridge badly missed a chance resulting in the ball being played out of defence across field to Holsworthy's Alan Clarke, played onto Landricombe who hit the post.

On the stroke of half time Coombes put Ivybridge ahead after a defensive lapse but it was hardly deserved, nevertheless they went in for their tea a goal up.

Ten minutes into the second half Ivybridge rattled the Holsworthy bar, in response Landricombe played a fine ball across the face of the goal for Alan Clarke to slot home. One-One and game on.

Steven Murphy managed to obtain the only booking of the game for dissent, but he responded by hitting a superb long pass across the field to produce a corner which Levi Landricombe hit just wide. He returned the favour to Murphy who created a chance for Landricombe's brother, Mike.

By now Holsworthy were well on top and Clarke had a header well saved by 'keeper Painter. Thirty five minutes into the second half saw Jason Cordice shoot just wide. Cordice, recently returning from a nasty shoulder injury, lasted the pace well and had a fine game considering it was his first full 90 minutes for a couple of months.

Murphy cracked a long range shot against the bar and Steve Hackett had a long range effort sail close by the goal.

As at Dartmouth in the previous game Holsworthy got stronger the longer the game went on, a testament to the training regime, and were unlucky to have achieved only a draw. They were much the more positive late on and with a bit of luck could have scored two or three more. Ivybridge, well marshalled by Shane Powell a player highly experienced in Cornish and Devonian football, were at times outplayed by the much younger home side. The referee let the game flow, plenty of action but almost no fouls and just one booking led to high entertainment for the supporters of both teams. The game was a credit to this level of football.

The point won improved the position in relation to the other struggling sides, none of whom achieved a point.

LAUNCESTON, under new manager Darren Garner, won 3-0 at home to St Blazey with goals from Sam Davey (2 inc penalty) and Kevin Parker.