PATIENCE is a virtue and Liskeard needed it in bucketfuls on Tuesday night before an 89th minute goal from substitute George Newton moved them to within three points of promotion to the Western League.

With the seconds ticking away, the Blues won a contentious free-kick close to the corner flag on the right flank. Max Gilbert delivered a cross with pace and Newton arrived at the far post to head into the net to release all of the tension of the previous 89 minutes.

It was unlucky on Holsworthy, who had defended for their lives at times and played some good passing football, but this Liskeard team usually find ways to win tight matches.

This was their fifth 1-0 win in the last eight league games and their seventh overall this season.

It now sets them up for a local derby at Dobwalls on Good Friday (11am) where three points would see them crowned as champions.

There might have been no need for an anxious evening had Bailey Mabin’s seventh minute shot gone in rather than being spectacularly tipped over the bar by Holsworthy keeper Ryan Chadwick.

James Lorenz, whose work ethic is second to none in this team, had an opportunity for a shot at goal in the 20th minute but his effort was again stopped by Chadwick.

Holsworthy had a rare chance seven minutes later when skipper Jedd Peschke strode forward from his defensive role to fire a shot from 25 yards which just cleared the bar.

Dan Jennings saw his left foot effort go narrowly wide before more heroics from Chadwick denied him from a point-blank header right on half-time.

The second half was a cagey affair with Holsworthy camped in their own half denying Liskeard much space, while offering an occasional threat on the break.

The visitors were working their socks off and looked reasonably comfortable despite Liskeard’s dominance until the clock ticked towards injury-time.

Holsworthy appealed for a foul near their own byline and the corner flag, but the linesman flagged for a home free-kick – and on such fine margins do games get decided.

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Luke Gwillam; Ben Collins, Scott Sanders (George Newton, 65), Harry Jeffery, Josh McCabe (capt), Matt Andrew, Max Gilbert, James Lorenz (Alex Noden, 90+4), Jordan Powell, Bailey Mabin (Ryan Richards, 73), Dan Jennings (Sean Thomson 52). Subs not used: Matt Outtram.

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Callum Martyn, Chris Wildern, Sam Hill, Jedd Peschke (capt), Josh Down (Aiden Slade, 57), Tallan Burns (Gabe Rutter, 64), Jay Thomas, Brad Ausden, Lewis Haxell (Joe Barker, 71), Gavin Carter.

Men-of-the-match: Liskeard Athletic – James Lorenz; Holsworthy – Jedd Peschke.