ON March 8 as Holsworthy didn't have a game the intrepid media advisor and the culinary correspondent ate burgers and saw Wadebridge play Newton Abbott Spurs, Unfortunately for Holsworthy, Spurs won; had they lost, the point difference would have been relatively small, not least as Spurs have played four games more. Could then, Holsworthy inflict a similar result upon Wadebridge? asks Alistair Clements.

No is the answer and the result now deepens Holsworthy's problem as this was a game that they were really expecting to win and claim relegation avoiding points. This game was the first after the 80th birthday of long time supporter Mrs Ruth Garland, who attends most games and to whom the Club sends its best wishes. The good weather brought out a pleasingly high attendance.

Holsworthy had just the start they wanted as after ten minutes Lee Morgan hit a superb cross from the right wing and the ball was headed into the net by a Wadebridge defender for as good an own goal as you will see. However, only five minutes later Wadebridge's Nathan Cudmore shot low past Dean Chidley to equalise. Only another five minutes elapsed for Wadebridge to go into the lead with a header from a corner.

Wadebridge were by now well on top and on 30 minutes a long throw over Holsworthy's defence saw the visitors go 3-1 up. Oh dear! Matters were going badly wrong for Holsworthy only for a long goal kick to sail over the top of Wadebridge's central defenders for Levi Landricombe to judge the bounce perfectly and loop a header over the 'keeper for a fine goal, 2-3. Wadebridge almost added another after a minute or two when the result of a corner went just wide.

Just before half time a free kick to Holsworthy was well saved by the Wadebridge 'keeper, the ball quickly moved upfield and Wolstencroft scored well from a tight angle, 2-4, and looking bleak.

Wadebridge were breaking fast and getting players into the box but also benefitted from a couple of controversial linesman's decisions.

Holsworthy tend to improve in the second half and on 55 minutes Landricombe tripped over the ball, composed himself and hit a super shot over the 'keeper who had moved off his line for his second goal, 3-4. Game on again.

With time running out Alan Clark raised expectations when a shot from a tight angle hit the side netting. Clark, who had been crocked some 20 minutes from the end played on manfully but should really have been substituted, Holsworthy should have sent on fresh legs to run at Wadebridge's defence but the supporters were mystified when no substitutions were made. The tactic of pumping the ball over the top was read by Wadebridge who were perfectly wise to it yet it continued, whereas quick advances on the wings may have brought the equaliser.

The score remained at 3-4 but the abiding impression was that a change in tactics and utilisation of all three substitutes could have turned the tide. It was a bad game to lose.The uncommitted spectator really got his money's worth, the game had no fouls of significance, but with better tactics Holsworthy could have won. A wise head in midfield to put his foot on the ball, look up and assess the options and to organise the youngsters is imperative.

LAUNCESTON drew 2-2 at home to Saltash with Sam Davey and Paul Banks on target. The Saltash goals came from Carl Pender and Glen Palmer.