EVERBODY knows that Holsworthy have not had the easiest of seasons in the league, but they were able to partly redress the balance by getting to the Torridge Cup Final and perhaps going home clutching some silverware.

Having to play two games on successive days was unhelpful not least as Wednesday's game was against the best team in the league, but as long as injuries were avoided, fitness should not have been an issue. The Torridge Cup Final has historically been played on a Thursday night to co-incide with May Fair celebrations.

Opponents Braunton are presently fourth in the North Devon Journal Premier Division, the Magpies on Wednesday introduced many of their younger players and they produced the display of the season. What fate awaited Braunton with Holsworthy reintroducing their most senior players?

Holsworthy won 2-0 but their opponents put up a spirited display. A crowd of just under 300, an impressive turn-out, filled the Torrington FC ground and included a coach put on by Holsworthy, indeed it was over-subscribed.

Early in the game Holsworthy had something of a scare as the Braunton centre forward advanced. The Magpies 'keeper Dean Chidley lost sight with the sun in his eyes and hesitated, the resultant shot was stopped on the line with his chest by central defender Ty Lavis. A bit of a let off.

The wind was swirling a bit and on 20 minutes Levi Landricombe had a shot cleared for a corner although Braunton retaliated with a cracking long range shot. Landricombe again had a fine effort after turning with the ball and hitting from 35 yards but just past the post. Another from the same player was pushed round the post by Braunton's 'keeper.

On the 40th minute Anthony Giordani played a ball down the wing to Lee Morgan whose shot was parried by the 'keeper, Steve Hackett pounced on the loose ball and steered it into the net to give Holsworthy a 1-0 lead.

The second half commenced with both sides having chances but it was a little lacklustre until Chidley brilliantly turned a shot around the post. As full time beckoned a typical Levi Landricombe goal was scored. He ran almost all of the Braunton half pursued by defenders culminating in a trademark chip over the advancing 'keeper's head from 30 yards or so to seal the match at 2-0.

At the final whistle the Lady Mayoress of Torridge Council presented both teams with their well deserved individual medals and the Cup itself, Levi Landricombe was judged Man of the Match.

This concluded Holsworthy's season, in only four or six weeks, training begins again for next season.