BODMIN, the League Champions by a fair distance and who completed the double on the Monday with a Throgmorton Cup Final win against Ivybridge, came to town on Wednesday doubtless expecting to return home with three points, writes Alistair Clements. They were mistaken.

Holsworthy in their traditional black and white stripes rang the changes to their team, with two key players suspended, and to keep tired players fresh for Thursday's Torridge Cup Final the youngsters came in, a number making their debuts and produced a thrilling display in undoubtedly the Club's best display of the season. Truly magnificent.

Bodmin had their full first team out, with a total of some 1,100 Football League games between them and were comprehensively out-played by Holsworthy's youngsters for much of the game.

In a nice gesture Holsworthy's players formed a guard of honour applauding Bodmin onto the pitch but once the game started they showed Bodmin little mercy, although the visitors clipped the top of the bar very early on.

On 20 minutes the Magpies' Kenny Hales produced a super chip, and a brilliant save by Bodmin 'keeper Kevin Miller (some 700 odd Football League appearances) prevented a goal. This save, tipping the ball over the bar, was as good as any seen this season.

Bodmin's Mark Berry had a useful shot flash past the post followed by a fine Holsworthy move when Hales again sprinted through, evaded the defenders but shot a little too soon, he then superbly controlled a through ball on his chest, turned and shot but just over again. It deserved more.

Steve Hackett had his best performance of the season, revelling in his forward role and being one of the more experienced players in the side, was taking responsibility for his younger colleagues.

The whole first half display was a revelation and the sides went in for their slice of orange without a goal being scored. It was the best first half of the season by a country mile, credit also being due to Bodmin who had not come along purely for the coach ride.

The ground was buzzing as the second half started with Alex Parker shooting just wide. Bodmin's Mark Berry, who was a bit of a handful, had a long range shot just wide followed by Holsworthy's Sam Cameron heading on but just over the bar.

On the 60th minute Holsworthy 'keeper Tom Beman showing great confidence and controlling his box well, reacted speedily to rush out of his area to clear a potential threat. Mike Landricome then had a shot which very nearly bounced over Bodmin's Kevin Miller.

On 70 minutes Mike's brother Levi had a long ball played to him from deep on the wing and he promptly lobbed Kevin Miller putting Holsworthy into the lead 1-0. The supporters went crazy and with good reason. Mr Miller moaned once too often to the referee and had his autograph taken for his troubles. He was beginning to start quacking in his boots (Miller's nickname is "Daffy") as he rushed out of his goal close to the final whistle, collided with a Holsworthy player, the ball ran loose and Alex Parker slotted home 2-0.

Jubilation!

Prior to this the Holsworthy box had been under seige but Beman and the defenders fought a rearguard action to keep the League Champions at bay.

This was the Magpies' final league game of the season and they certainly saved the best till last, the youngsters did themselves proud, everyone produced a monumental display.

There could have been 11 men of the match (plus the subs) but Lee Rundle missed nothing in the air, encouraged, cajoled and helped his less experienced colleagues and produced as good a performance as any Holsworthy player this season.He deserved a pint after the game, the others being too young to get one.

Bodmin were probably glad to go home but they played their part. If anyone complains about paying £4 to watch a game like this then they should stay in and watch soaps on the telly every evening.