Squire praises squad after workmanlike victory at Dobwalls in SWPL Premier West

BEN Sharpe’s late tap-in have Holsworthy a fifth straight win at a Dobwalls side who were left rueing their luck at Lantoom Park.

Holsworthy went into the game having seen off Falmouth Town Reserves three days earlier, while the winless Dingos had the weekend off to prepare.

That showed, however, in the first half as Dobwalls dominated a lacklustre visiting side who were forced to change from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 having been second best up to the half-hour mark.

That said, they missed a huge chance when Sharpe was sent through one-on-one, however he dragged his shot wide.

Dobwalls also failed to hit the target twice as the half drew to a close.

Holsworthy boss Kevin Squire had seen enough and introduced skipper Jedd Peschke in defence and Luke Potter up front as they looked for a route back into the contest.

Sharpe twice missed good chances either side of the hour, first being denied by Freddy Harvey-Larmar before heading over when well-placed.

With 15 to go the visitors had a huge let-off as Jamie Gilbert’s free-kick from the edge of the box remarkably hit both posts before nestling into the grateful arms of Ryan Chadwick.

Both defences were on top despite the end-to-end nature of the contest, but it was Sharpe who got the winner 10 minutes from time, prodding the ball over the line from two yards out after the home keeper failed to deal with a cross from sub Josh Pearce.

Holsworthy then saw the game out with relative ease to the delight of a relieved Squire.

He said: “It was a tricky night not helped by the pitch which was very long, but we started really poorly and were lucky to be in the game.

“To be fair to Dobwalls, they were far better than their league position suggests, but we made some changes in personnel and in formation and got the win, which is a great thing to do when you’re nowhere near your best.

“The game also showed the importance of having good options off the bench as when players are having an off night, you’ve got people to come on who can make a difference, which is what all five subs did.”

Squire, who has seen his side rise to third with six wins from eight starts, takes his side to leaders St Austell on Saturday (3pm).

The two sides met on the opening day back on August 8 which the Saints won 2-0.

Squire concluded: “I’m looking forward to Saturday, particularly as I don’t think we gave a great account of ourselves in that game, particularly in an attacking sense.

“We’ve got three big games coming up with St Austell, Penzance and Callington, but it’s about how we play and if we play like we can, then we shouldn’t be too far away from a result.”

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick (capt); Jeff Anglia, Callum Martyn, George Plumb; Gavin Carter, Rory Simmons, Josh Down, Jay Thomas, Aaron Hart; Jack Japes, Ben Sharpe. Subs: Jedd Peschke, Chris Wildern, Luke Potter, Josh Pearce, Gabe Rutter.

Magpies’ man-of-the-match: Gavin Carter.