IT is amazing what one strong performance can do for a team's confidence and morale.

Two weeks ago Holsworthy suffered the low of a 2-0 defeat to Wadebridge Town in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.

Now, after a fine effort against leaders Newquay, they are ready for the next challenge in first division (west).

Newquay completed a swift league double over the Magpies, following up the previous week's 4-1 victory with a 2-1 win to extend their lead at the top to 14 points.

But Holsworthy manager Geoff Copp was proud of the effort from his side after they trailed 2-0 at half time.

"Two weeks ago at Wadebridge I felt half of them didn't want to play for me and didn't want to be there," he said.

"This week I couldn't ask any more of the players. They were absolutely exhausted at the end of the game.

"From the second-half performance you would never believe there were 15 places between us in the league."

Glen Squires headed Newquay ahead and the visitors offered plenty of resistance until a defensive mistake allowed Squires to double the lead.

Dean Chidley almost pulled one back before half time when his effort was scrambled off the line and Holsworthy continued to attack in the second half.

Stuart Rickard whipped in a free kick and Liam Dart got across the keeper to score his third goal of the season.

Rickard, taking the ball at a difficult height, then volleyed over and Lee Morgan also went close.

"It was a great team performance and I'm looking forward to this Saturday and the challenge at St Dennis," said Copp.

"They beat us 4-0 on the first game of the season and I think we have come forward whereas they have had their honeymoon period and dropped away."

Holsworthy have signed Dan Allen, a Plymouth-based defender.

John Elvins, the midfielder, hopes to available for one more game before he heads back to college in the USA.