HOLSWORTHY boss Ryan Hall praised the way his side ‘adapted our game’ as they ground out a 1-0 victory over Dobwalls in SWPL Premier West on Saturday, December 16.

The all-important goal came five minutes before the break when skipper Jedd Peschke tapped in from close range.

It was the home side’s first outing since November 11, but Hall ensured the squad were ready.

He said: “Saturday was a scrappy affair and we adapted our game and played a completely different style as we thought going a bit more direct would be a way to get at Dobwalls. 

“When we played them first time around back on the opening day, we thought they were susceptible to crosses as they didn’t have much height in their back line. 

“Without us playing for over a month as well, I thought having us trying to play too much football would leave us too open and on a sticky pitch, limiting opportunities to make mistakes would help us to gain the result. 

“We also decided to let them have the ball wide, allowing them to cross the ball, and with the back three we went with, we felt that balls into the box would be extremely comfortable for us, and that’s how it turned out to be, which was pleasing. 

“I thought we executed the gameplan to a tee, they didn’t really have any clear cut chances. 

“They made the game really stop start, which suited us to the ground on this occasion, not something I’d normally want, but it worked perfectly on Saturday.”

Seventh-placed Holsworthy have 29 points from their opening 15 games, and have games in-hand on those above them.

Hall said: “It’s a pleasing start, but I am really disappointed with the games we have dropped points in.

“Other than at Liskeard, we have deserved something from all the games we have played in, which is a real credit to the lads. 

“We have now amassed more points than we did last season, scored more goals and so far conceded a lot less as well. 

“We’re under no illusion though and we’re certainly not getting complacent, football changes quickly and we need to carry on building momentum, we set a target at the start of the season, which is more than achievable if we apply ourselves correctly.”

Holsworthy are back in action on Boxing Day (11am) when they make the short trip along the A3072 to Bude Town for the first league meeting between the two in several years.

The Magpies won a cup encounter between the two back in September, and Hall knows they’ll face a fired up Town.

Hall said: “We are looking forward to Boxing Day as these games are why you’re involved and should be a brilliant day all round. 

“It brings both local communities together, and win or lose it ends up being a good day out and a huge lifeline financially for both clubs. 

“After the Torridge Cup game they’re going to be chomping at our heels to get a result, especially having home advantage. 

“But we have to play the game, ignore the occasion and do our job, we will have a game plan that we will need to stick to, to be disciplined and hopefully that will be enough to get us over the line on the day. We know their strengths, we also know their weaknesses, so hopefully we can exploit them."