Holsworthy savour Plainmoor experience against full-strength Torquay United

For Holsworthy AFC, a visit to Torquay United’s historic Plainmoor home was about much more than the result.

The South-West Peninsula League side were given a valuable opportunity to test themselves against a full-strength United team in the Devon FA St Luke’s Challenge Cup, experiencing first-hand the quality, fitness and technical ability required at a higher level of the football pyramid.

And although the gulf in class was evident, Holsworthy manager Kevin Squire was determined to take plenty of positives from the occasion, praising his players’ attitude and highlighting the benefits of facing such accomplished opposition.

Torquay, eager to respond to their Emirates FA Cup exit, approached the tie seriously, with manager Jimmy Ball selecting a strong starting XI and substitutes’ bench, including five academy prospects in the first-team squad.

For Holsworthy, the chance to play at Plainmoor against a club with United’s history provided an experience to remember.

“Full credit to Torquay, who have taken it seriously and put out their full team,” said Squire.

“Credit to them for playing at Plainmoor and we will take on a lot of learnings against a very good Torquay side.

“Credit to my players, who never gave up, but it was maybe always going to happen against teams leagues higher than us.

“The fitness levels, technical quality, strength and movement, they have it all.”

United took control early, with Cody Cooke opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Tegan Finn added a second directly from a corner.

Holsworthy nevertheless showed glimpses of attacking intent, including an ambitious effort from around 30 yards that sailed over the crossbar.

But the visitors found it difficult to contain United’s movement, pressing and clinical finishing. Finn scored again before Cooke, Sean Robertson, Matt Jay and Dan Hayfield contributed to the hosts’ impressive attacking display.

Cooke and Jay both completed hat-tricks as United secured their place in the quarter-finals.

For Squire, however, the evening was about gaining experience against opponents operating several levels above his own side.

The speed of United’s passing, movement off the ball and physical sharpness offered Holsworthy’s players a valuable insight into the standards required at a higher level.

One particularly encouraging aspect was the performance of Craig Duff, who has been working his way back from a serious injury.

The forward impressed against United’s experienced defenders, providing an effective outlet whenever Holsworthy managed to get the ball forward.

“Craig Duff has had a bad injury, so it was good to see him back, and he was brilliant against very good defenders,” said Squire.

“He did very well when we got the ball up to him and his overall game was really good.”