IN midweek Holsworthy continued their improving run of form with a result which was never in doubt, writes Alistair Clements.

Torrington, members of the Western League until a year or two ago but getting back to stability after having to resign through financial problems, are now top of the North Devon Journal League Senior Division and enjoying happier times on the pitch with only two defeats this season.

Torrington, with a resolute defence were let down by two players, one sent off and one for reasons unfathomable to spectators, wearing a number 100 shirt but not recorded as such in the team sheet, they were also let down by one or two of their supporters!

Holsworthy tend to start slowly and this game was no exception, Torrington's Trevor May having a shot well saved at the base of the post. Holsworthy's Alan Clarke had a similar long range attempt dealt with by Torrington 'keeper Peter Ellis who then had to punch away a further effort. After interpassing well between Clarke and Steve Hackett, the latter did well with a low shot just past the post.

Jason Cordice centred a fine ball for Hackett again to shoot after joining the attack from his usual defensive duties. The same combination combined again on 40 minutes for Hackett to head over the bar. Five minutes later the inevitable happened with Clarke passing to Hackett who chipped past the 'keeper for a perfectly timed goal. A good week for Hackett who the previous day, together with some of Holsworthy's faithful, had watched their faves, Crystal Palace, win comfortably at Plymouth Argyle.

Hackett was again attacking after the restart when snatching a shot over the bar from only five yards but in the 62nd minute Torrington's Danny Jenkins made the most of a goalmouth melee to stab past Dean Chidley. Holsworthy were nevertheless imposing their authority on the game as Torrington's legs started going and Alan Clarke restored the lead with a shot across the face of the goal and into the corner.

Torrington's No 100, who had moaned about almost every decision by the referee throughout the game, managed to get himself booked along with Hackett after a spat but the Magpies were now patently going to increase their tally and did so with a third goal slotted home by Landricombe.

A Torrington striker was sent off for 'deliberately kicking Holsworthy's Lee Rundle off the ball' followed by a display of petulance.

During the last ten minutes one or two of Holsworthy's younger substitutes were introduced with Jason Cisneros showing some nice touches on his debut. He deserves a longer spell to establish himself and gain experience as the season progresses.