Holsworthy flying the Devon flag in a Cornwall football league

When it comes to the South West Peninsula League, spare a thought for the outlying battles being fought by Holsworthy AFC.

The League is split into two divisions, East and West, with the East populated by Devon clubs and the West dominated by Cornwall, but there is one exception.

Holsworthy AFC from North Devon are again the only non-Cornish side in the West Division, and the Magpies can be very proud of their start to the new season, following up a 1-1 draw with Launceston by beating Wadebridge Town 3-0 on Saturday, thanks to goals from Jedd Peschke, Gavin Carter and Ben Sharpe.

“It was a really good day from the start,” said Holsworthy boss Kevin Squire. “The players took on board the gameplan, played some really nice football all over the field and if I’m honest, we could have scored more goals. Wadebridge have some proven players at higher levels but we nullified that threat.”

In the East Division, it has been a rocky start for Okehampton Argyle. After going down 2-0 at Newton Abbot Spurs on the opening weekend, the Okes were beaten 3-1 at home by Ilminster Town on Saturday.

Bovey Tracey shared a 1-1 draw with Torridgeside, with new signing Cieran Bridger on target for the Moorlanders and George Shapland notching a sensational volley for the T-Siders.

Watch out for Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police, who have boosted their ranks with a number of players recruited from Southern League outfit Brixham AFC, and it is already paying dividend.

After walloping Cullompton 6-1 on the first day, Stoke dismantled Crediton United with a 4-0 victory in South Devon. Kieran Parkin scored a brace for the home side and there were further goals from Tom Burt and Jesse Howe.

Bridport enjoyed a strong 4-0 win over Bishops Lydeard and newcomers Ilfracombe Town are definitely a good watch for goals. The Bluebirds shared a 4-4 draw with Crediton in midweek but were on the wrong side of a 4-2 loss at home to Middlezoy Rovers on Saturday.

Final word for Torrington, who struggled last season, but have now started with two victories after battling to a 3-2 success over Teignmouth.