BEN Sharpe netted a hat-trick as Holsworthy eased into the next round of the Devon St Luke’s Bowl on Tuesday night after a 4-2 victory at SWPL Premier East side Crediton United.

The Magpies hadn’t played for 20 days, and started slowly, but took a 25th lead when a free-kick inside the home box was smashed home by Craig Duff for his first goal for the club.

Holsworthy then settled into the game further and added a second 10 minutes later when a corner from the recalled Will Harris found Sharpe at the back post and he scored with a tidy finish.

The second half started with more of the same and the visitors added further goals by the hour, both from the impressive Sharpe with two outstanding finishes, the second taking it around the goalkeeper and calmly finishing well.

Visiting boss Kevin Squire brought on fresh legs but still chances continued to come for Holsworthy.

Duff hit the post from a free-kick and brought a good save from the home keeper with another set-piece. Other chances feel to Duff, Sharpe, Ben Grech and Joe Barker.

Crediton had chances from free-kicks and a cross-cum-shot that hit the crossbar.

A debatable penalty, given on the edge of the box when Sam Hill was adjudged to have handled the ball after a cross, was slotted in by Will Collins for 4-1 on 64 minutes.

The hosts then went route one to mount an onslaught and a cross was headed in with 16 to play.

However, the visitors held on to progress.

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Jedd Peschke (capt), Sam Hill, Callum Martyn; Gavin Carter, Aidan Slade, Elis Aldrich, Jay Thomas, Will Harris; Ben Sharpe, Craig Duff. Subs (all used): Joe Barker, Ben Grech, Josh Down, Chris Wildern, Rob Pearce.

Magpies’ man-of-the-match: Ben Sharpe.