PAST and present players gathered at Upcott Field on Saturday, July 18, to celebrate Dean Chidley’s 25 years playing at Holsworthy Football Club.

Current first team manager Liam Dart arranged the testimonial match which saw the Magpies’ Devon League winning side of 2003 take on Holsworthy’s current side, of which Chidley is captain.

After a hard fought display, entertaining the large crowd that had gathered, the final score was Holsworthy 2015 two, Holsworthy 2003/04 one.

All proceeds raised from the match went towards a community defibrillator.

Dean, now 35, started playing for Holsworthy when he was just 10 years old and has been with the first team since he was 17.

He said: “I have played every position on the pitch from goalkeeper to striker and always enjoyed my time at the club.

"There were opportunities to take sidesteps but I never felt it was right to leave the club."

Chidley will be involved as Holsworthy look to build on their 13th-place finish in the South Western Peninsula League Division One West last season.

With manager Liam Dart at the helm for the second consecutive term, Chidley feels the club is heading in the right direction.

He said: "The momentum at the club looks good.

"I’m coming to the end of my playing days but there are a lot of very promising youngsters coming through.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.