Senior Cup final explodes into late late action as Falmouth find double whammy

Cornwall Senior Cup final
(at Underlane, Wendron United FC)
Falmouth Town 3 St Austell 2 (aet)

Falmouth Town ended a successful season on an incredible high and condemned St Austell to a heartbreaking finish by scoring twice in the final minutes of extra time to clinch the Cornwall Senior Cup.
The Lillywhites could almost feel the prestigious trophy in their hands as the final entered the 120th minute with them leading 2-1.
Suddenly mayhem broke out among the Falmouth supporters in the 1,004 crowd as wing back James Swan smashed a loose ball into the net from close range.
Thoughts of a penalty shootout were quickly swept from the mind as Falmouth launched a final attack in the second minute of time added on at the end of extra time.
There was chaos in the penalty area as St Austell desperately tried to clear but the ball fell to Luke Barner, who forced it over the line to spark incredible scenes.
As the St Austell players slumped to the ground – many of them probably wishing it would swallow them up – Falmouth’s players, officials, substitutes and their supporters celebrated an astonishing comeback.
It has to go down as one of the most dramatic finishes to a Senior Cup final in the competition’s 131-year history.
For Andy Westgarth’s Falmouth side it was the icing on the cake after last week clinching promotion to the Southern League through the Western League play-offs.
For Chris Knight’s St Austell, it was a hurt which will drag on for a while, but the Lillywhites will emerge next season as a Western League club for the first time in their history, having won the South West Peninsula League title a fortnight ago.
Both clubs have done Cornish football proud this season and have plenty to look forward to when the madness starts again in August.
Congratulations also to Wendron United FC, a small club tucked away between Falmouth and Helston, who normally attract crowds of around 150 to their Underlane ground.
This time a thousand supporters turned up and the club handled the occasion brilliantly. Facilities were first class and the pitch was in a much better condition than most would have expected after the wettest of winter and spring weather.
Because of the dramatic finish to the game, few will care to remember that most of the final was a cagey, relatively dull affair with only a handful of chances.
It was a lively start, though, with Falmouth pouring forward and going close twice inside the first eight minutes with efforts from Luke Brabyn and Cam Hutchinson.
But from their first attack St Austell took the lead after 13 minutes with classy midfield man Henry Wilson curling a 20 yard right foot shot into the left corner of the net.
Their advantage lasted only nine minutes as former Camelford favourite Hutchinson was in the right place to finish off after Luke Barner’s close range shot was blocked by keeper Andy Collins.
The first half developed into a tight battle and the pattern continued after the break with the teams largely cancelling each other out.
So to extra time and within five minutes St Austell found a goal from nowhere as prolific striker Adam Carter, who had hardly featured, held off a defender and thundered a right foot shot into the net off the underside of the bar.
Having played with an injury concern, Carter was then replaced by Liam Eddy, who kept the Falmouth back line occupied with his darting runs.
The final seemed to be meandering towards penalties when, very much out of the blue, it exploded into action. And the rest is history.

Falmouth Town
1 Morgan Coxhead
2 James Swan
3 Brad Leivers
4 Andreas Calleja-Steyne
5 Tom Annear
6 James Ward (capt)
7 Luke Barner
8 Andy Elcock
9 Luke Brabyn
10 Cam Hutchinson 
11 Jared Sims 

Substitutes 
12 Jack Webber (A Elcock 76)
14 Max Everall
15 Kian Thomas (C Hutchinson 73)
16 Tom Fisher
17 Charlie Edney (L Brabyn 80)

Goals
Cam Hutchinson (22)
James Swan (120)
Luke Barner (120+2)

Yellow cards
Luke Brabyn (45 minutes)
Andy Elcock (60)

St Austell
13 Andy Collins
2 Jake Shaw
3 Martyn Duff
4 Henry Wilson
5 Olly Brokenshire
14 Tom Whipp
7 Neil Slateford (capt)
8 Matt Searle
15 George Marris
10 Adam Carter
11 Jake Miller

Substitutes
12 Tom Guest (M Duff 112)
6 Harvey Hann
9 Liam Eddy (A Carter 96)
16 Kieron Bishop (G Marris 78)
17 Noah Teagle (M Searle 101)

Goals
Henry Wilson (13 minutes)
Adam Carter (95)

Yellow cards
Olly Brokenshire (39 minutes)
Henry Wilson (58)

Match Officials
Referee: Rowen Clarke
Assistants: Steven Godfrey, Dan Bennetts
Fourth official: Steve Swan

Attendance: 1,004

Men of the Match
Falmouth – Luke Barner
St Austell – Henry Wilson 

Falmouth Town celebrate with the Senior Cup.

Cam Hutchinson celebrates his 22nd minute goal.

Arms and the men at a Falmouth corner.

Season of struggles comes to an end for St Dennis and Bodmin

South West Peninsula League
Premier West
St Dennis 0 Bodmin Town 1

St Dennis and Bodmin brought the curtain down on a long season of struggle with an entertaining match on a difficult bobbly playing surface at Boscawen Park on Saturday.
Sam Eccleston’s cultured 62nd minute finish proved enough to secure all three points for the visitors.
Eccleston received a good ball out wide, cut inside and produced a great shot from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom left corner of the net. 
But St Dennis’s young side gave as good as they got, especially in the first half, and on another day they might have taken something out of this, their last game.
Sam Tattersall and Ray Spear caused plenty of problems but Nick Salop, at the heart of the Bodmin defence, showed a maturity beyond his years to sweep up most of the pressure.
Sam Cox was the driving force in the Bodmin defence, delivering some of their best moments during the game. 
Bodmin manager Simon Minett said: “It was a typical end of season game. We had so many players unavailable and injured that out of 13 defensive players signed on, only two were available.
“So we had to juggle it around and play with players out of position.
“I do feel we controlled large periods of the game and although only scoring one goal we should have had more.”
He added: “I’m really happy with how the season has ended; since I came into the job so much has happened, from players leaving to ground issues, but we still managed to finish one point better off than last season.
“Huge credit needs to go to the players and my back room staff for that. It hasn’t been pretty at times but we have a young side that’s only going to improve and we look to push on next season.”
A word for referee Dave Bartlam, who was a calming influence throughout. 
St Dennis: C Hill, Z Best, F Treverton-Allen, N Lang, M Davies, J Basker, S Tattersall (R Allen 77), J Pope, R Spear (F Cole 65), K Goreki, A Butler.
Subs not used: R Hunter, L Carter, P Slamey, R Allen.
Yellow card: N Lang (90 mins).
Bodmin Town: H George, L Taylor, T McLachlan, N Salop, O Miller, S Cox, W Elliott, N Crump, J Munday (J Skillicome 79), S Dover, S Ecceleston.
Subs not used: J Carron, D Peters.
Goal: S Eccleston (62).
Yellow card: N Salop (48).
Referee: Dave Bartlam.
Men of the Match. St Dennis – Nathan Lang; Bodmin – Sam Eccleston.

Surrounded: St Dennis striker Ray Spear is penned in by Bodmin players. Picture: Kevin Marriott

A header by Sam Tattersall from a St Dennis corner just clears the bar. Picture: Kevin Marriott

Saltash battle for a point at Blazey after a chaotic few days

Western League
Premier Division
St Blazey 1 Saltash United 1

Saltash completed their season with a hard-earned draw at Blaise Park on Wednesday night – but manager Macca Brown revealed it was far from a routine match for the Ashes.

Joe Preece: on the scoresheet again for Saltash.

Joe Preece maintained his late season scoring spree by putting Saltash ahead after 10 minutes but Luke Cloke had Blazey on level terms two minutes later.

And Brown said: “It was one of the most rewarding points of the season, it was monumental from the lads in so many ways and we were delighted with them.
“That may sound strange to anyone watching the game as at times it was pure chaos, especially in the first half, but there were so many obstacles to overcome and the lads did it. 
“After our game v Shepton Mallet last week Sevs said to me it was just one game too many for them and I know exactly what he meant, but those words stuck in my head and I was adamant we weren’t going to allow that to be the case for us but as the week went on everything did seem to point in that direction.
“There’s no getting away from the fact that Saturday’s win against Welton had a last game of the season feel about it, but then at Blazey we had some key players in Ed (Goodman), Muzza (Laurence Murray), Tyler Yendle and Tom Badcott all unavailable, 
“Then Nick Salop, Tylor Love-Holmes and Ethan Wright all played on Wednesday afternoon for their football programme and all started for us again Wednesday night. 
“Jake Curtis, Jack Kelsey and JT (Josh Toulson) all did the Plymouth half marathon on Sunday and could barely walk.
“And Hayden (Greening) jumped off a plane from three months in Thailand and went straight into the team!
“It was all absolutely ridiculous, and had all the ingredients to be an absolute nightmare but we got through it. 
“Full credit to the boys, they approached the game in the right manner and were rewarded with a point. Our balance was all over the shop in the first half and we were probably lucky to go in at half time level after Preecey (Joe Preece) put us ahead. 
“We rode our luck at times and looked disjointed so couldn’t wait to get in at half-time and restore some order. 
“JT came on at the break and it just settled us down, defensively we looked more in control. “Not too much really happened in the second half for either side, but I was quite content with that. 
“You probably had the best two goalkeepers in the league on the pitch when it comes to distribution and that was probably the biggest cause of danger for both teams, as Shaun (Semmens) and Jordan (Duffey) look to kickstart quick counter attacks with their quality.”

Brown added: “It was fantastic for Deacon Thomson to make his debut. He’s been doing really well for the under 18s and we do recognise that. 
“We watched him on Sunday so he was in the back of our minds, and the amount of players who were unavailable gave him a chance. 
“I’m sure it was a special moment for both him and Reece to play together, and to be honest if we put him on 10 minutes earlier we may have won it because he was lively and caused them some problems.
“It was like picking names and positions out of a hat come the end, lads doing jobs everywhere, but they were fantastic.”

Summing up the season, Brown said: “It’s been a rollercoaster. The last three months or so have been superb and show what this group can be. 
“There’s no doubt we need to experience to help accelerate that process but the foundations are there for sure and we have to build on that. 
“The season has whizzed by, we took a bit of stick at the start and after certain defeats which is perhaps to be expected but we always trusted in what we were doing. 
“There was a moment after the defeats versus Brixham and Oldland in January where you do worry if we could get pulled into a dogfight at the bottom, but even if we did that would have been a fantastic experience for the lads. 
“We met in early February as a group and the response has been magnificent and we have a mid-table finish which is about right. 
“I always think when there’s nothing to play for towards the end of the season you really get to see the strength of the changing room. 
“The motivation has remained, nobody checked out early and we can now bounce into pre-season and prepare for a better season next year, because let’s be honest Saltash United need to be competing where it matters.”

Blazey still have two games left – away to Nailsea and Tickenham on Saturday before completing their first campaign in the Western League at home to Welton Rovers on bank holiday Monday (3pm kick-off).

St Blazey: S Semmens, F Walter, R Carroll, A Dilley (J Smale 78), L Russell, J Pearce, G Warren (S Piper 67), S Clifton, L Cloke, R Downing, G Newton (J Gilbert 78).
Sub not used: J Ratcliffe.
Goal: L Cloke (12).
Saltash United: J Duffey, B Goulty, E Wright, H Greening (D Thomson 83), N Salop (J Toulson 46), T Love-Holmes, T Huyton, R Thomson, J Curtis (J Kelsey 73), A Goulty, J Preece.
Subs not used: F Tolcher, J Jansen. 
Goal: J Preece (10).

Eddy heads St Austell into Senior Cup final as Liskeard spurn opportunities

Cornwall Senior Cup semi–final

Liskeard Athletic 0 St Austell 1

St Austell will face Falmouth Town in the Cornwall Senior Cup final at Wendron on Sunday May 12 after a slender victory over rivals Liskeard at Pennygillam on Wednesday.
Liam Eddy’s goal just before half-time proved to be enough to send the Lillywhites through, but they were forced to defend very deep in the second half as Liskeard, reduced to 10 men for the last half hour after Cal Merrin’s red card, piled on the pressure.
This was only the second time all season that the Blues had failed to score – the other being at Holsworthy last week – and they will be kicking themselves at the opportunities spurned against the team who pipped them to the South West Peninsula League title and promotion.
The teams have played each other four times this season, with St Austell knocking Liskeard out of the Walter C Parson League Cup and now the Senior Cup, as well as beating them 6-2 at Poltair in the league and drawing 3-3 at Lux Park earlier in the season. 
Both sides went into Wednesday’s semi-final without key players – top scorer Adam Carter for the Lillywhites and skipper Max Gilbert for the Blues, who were on holiday – but the match started very brightly.
Merrin caused problems along the left after only seven minutes and it took a clearance inside the six yard box to deny him a goal.
Two minutes later at the other end, Liskeard keeper Cory Harvey made a fine save to push a Neil Slateford free kick around the post.
As the half progressed, Liskeard looked the more likely to score and after another Merrin shot was half cleared by Shaw, striker Mike Smith lifted his effort over.
The Blues were made to pay for their misses when St Austell swept ahead two minutes before the break with Eddy rising at the near to send his glancing header wide of Harvey into the far corner.
And the Lillywhites could have doubled their lead before the break with chances for Shaw and Jake Miller but both of their shots were blocked inside the six yard box.
Liskeard came out for the second half all guns blazing and within a couple of minutes they could have been level. A pinpoint cross from the left by Jarrad Woods picked out Dan Jennings on the far post but he volleyed into the side netting.
The Blues’ momentum was interrupted in the 62nd minute when Merrin was shown a straight red for pushing Ollie Brokenshire over a low wall in front of the stand opposite the dugouts.
It would perhaps have been only a yellow card anywhere else on the pitch but because Brokenshire ended up crashing over the wall and banging his head it made the incident look worse than it was.
Liskeard continued to press hard for an equaliser and only a brilliant block by Tom Whipp prevented Macauley Thorp from scoring in the 76th minute.
Their best chance came four minutes later when substitute James Rowe produced an excellent cross from the right which picked out Jennings at the near post. Nine out of 10 times he scores but this time he fired the ball inches wide.

Ollie Brokenshire is helped over the wall after being pushed off the pitch by Cal Merrin, who was shown a straight red card.
Picture: Kevin Marriott

Liskeard: C Harvey, J McCabe, M Outtram (W Westlake 31), H Mullis (J Rowe 69), M Thorp (W Gilbert 84), R Kane (T Savigar 79), C Merrin, J Woods, M Smith, D Jennings. B Collins. 
Sub not used: S Borthwick (gk).
Yellow card: J Rowe (90+2).
Red card: C Merrin (62).
St Austell: A Collins, J Shaw, M Duff, H Wilson, O Brokenshire, T Whipp, N Slateford,  M Searle, L Eddy (T Guest 82), G Marris (K Marks 82), J Miller.
Subs not used: H Hann, B Thomas, N Teagle.
Goal: L Eddy (43).
Yellow cards: T Whipp (40), N Slateford (49), L Eddy (65), J Shaw (85), J Millef (90+4).
Referee: Robert Fleetham.
Attendance: 215.
Men of the Match. Liskeard – Jarrad Woods; St Austell – Henry Wilson.

Flashpoint: Ollie Brokenshire is pushed over the wall by Cal Merrin, who was shown a red card. Picture: Kevin Marriott

As Brokenshire (5) waits to come back on, the referee brandishes a red card at Cal Merrin (7).

Ashes finishing with a flourish as they complete home wins hat-trick

Western League
Premier Division
Saltash United 5 Welton Rovers 0

When Saltash were beaten 2-0 at home by Ilfracombe on Thursday April 18, manager Macca Brown assured supporters that the players would not be allowed to end the season with a whimper.
He’s kept his word, with his young team putting together three successive home wins in a week, scoring 12 goals without conceding.
It’s been a remarkable end to a difficult first season in charge of the Ashes for Brown, and the signs are good for the future.
On Saturday, Saltash produced arguably their best home performance of the campaign and might have won by a bigger margin.
Young striker Jack Jefford scored his first goal in senior football by putting the Ashes ahead after seven minutes and Tyler Yendle doubled the lead nine minutes later. 
Jefford was forced off with an injury after half an hour but Saltash added to their tally before half-time with outstanding left back Ethan Wright making it 3-0.
Saltash continued to dominate in the second half and Joe Preece scored his sixth goal in three games to get the Ashes’ fourth 15 minutes from time.
Jake Curtis, who had replaced Jefford, completed the scoring in the 83rd minute to round off an excellent afternoon for the home side.
Manager Brown said: “It was a really dominant display. Immediately after the game Ben (Welton’s manager) said it should have been double figures, and I don’t think we’ve had a game where we’ve created so many chances.
“Their goalkeeper was magnificent. The dual between him and Preecey was fantastic throughout the 90 minutes and I’m pleased Joe got his goal in the end, but what a performance to just keep his tally at one when on another day Joe would have scored four or five. 
“I have to praise the attitude of the lads. I said before them the quality will be what it will be on the day, as would the result, but the focus and the attitude must be immaculate, and it really was. 
“It’s too easy to cruise into the off season in third gear but we demand the best on that front and we are getting it, so full credit to the lads.”
Brown went on: “It was lovely to see a couple of our young lads get some goals as well. Jack Jefford has been in and around the squad all season really, but in the last couple of weeks he’s deservedly come into the team and done brilliantly. 
“Yesterday he got his first goal before being forced off with a knock and we are all delighted for him, he may go down as one of the youngest Ashes goalscorers ever for the first team! 
“Ethan Wright has grown over the course of the season, yesterday was his 40th game I believe, which is incredible for his first season in men’s football, especially as 95% of those games have been starts as well.
“Tyler Yendle isn’t a youngster but he’s come to the club in the last month or so and has added to much grit and personality to the team. He was awarded man of the match and it’s hard to disagree with that decision.
“So we move up to 12th, which is as high as where we’ve been all season. Since Boxing Day we’ve lost just five games, picked up 27 points and there’s been six clean sheets in there as well so progress is being made but that cannot stop now. 
“Yesterday had a final game of the season feel to it, it was comfortable and the club did a brilliant job recognising everyone’s efforts, but I’m delighted we’ve actually got one more game, a midweek trip down to Blazey, which will be far from comfortable and will provide us with one final challenge. 
“Their management were there on Saturday so it shows they’ve not downed tools for the summer and neither can we. The message will be the same and I’m sure we’ll be ready.”
The Ashes complete their season at St Blazey on Wednesday evening.
Saltash: J Duffey, B Goulty, E Wright, E Goodman (L Murray 71), T Yendle, T Badcott (N Salop 77), T Love-Holmes, J Kelsey (T Huyton 63), J Jefford (J Curtis 29), A Goulty (F Tolcher 83), J Preece. 
Goals: J Jefford (7), T Yendle (16), E Wright (42), J Preece (75), J Curtis (83).
Attendance: 117.
Man of the Match: Tyler Yendle.

Ethan Wright – the talented left back was among the Saltash scorers on Saturday.
Picture: Daz Hands Photography.

Champions complete league season with comfortable victory

South West Peninsula League
Premier West
Truro City Reserves 0 St Austell 3

Champions St Austell completed their league season at Tregye Fields on Saturday with a comfortable victory over a young Truro team who gave it their all.
After the game the Lillywhites were presented with the premier west championship trophy by SWPL secretary Phil Hiscox and then the celebrations began.
It has been a gruelling, long season with Liskeard Athletic pushing them all the way but in the end Chris Knight’s side won the title by four points.
They can now start preparing for their first season in the Western League, where they will come up against local rivals St Blazey and other Cornwall teams including Saltash and Torpoint.
For the record, on Saturday, Jake Miller gave St Austell a third minute lead after a goalmouth scramble and Tom Guest doubled their lead just before half-time.
Club legend Liam Eddy was introduced for the second half and duly got his goal in the 71st minute to round off a perfect afternoon for the Lillywhites.
Truro: M Jones, R Chank, E Fabby, H Frape, J Edlin, P Turpin, T Horton, J Moyle, F Harrison, L Higgins, D Carne. 
Subs: J Marcellis, T McNally, G Turpin.
St Austell: A Collins, J Shaw (K Bishop 62), M Duff (M Watts 79), H Wilson, R Hooper, T Whipp (H Hann 72), N Slateford, M Searle (L Eddy 46), T Guest, A Carter (C Wharton 67), J Miller.
Goals: J Miller (3), T Guest (40), L Eddy (71).
Referee: Gareth Jones.
Attendance: 121.
Man of the Match: Jake Miller.

St Austell – SWPL west champions 2023-24. Pictures by Kevin Marriott

Cheers – keeper Harry Ashton and top scorer Adam Carter.

The Management. Chris Knight (manager), James Powell (assistant manager), Craig Ainslie (first team coach) and Luke Perkes (coach).

St Austell legends Ollie Brokenshire and Neil Slateford with their young ones.

Another club legend, Liam Eddy, celebrates.

Chairman Jason Powell celebrates with Tom Guest.

Liskeard lose their cool as title hopes ended by Holsworthy

South West Peninsula League

Holsworthy 1 Liskeard Athletic 0
Liskeard’s title and promotion hopes ended at Upcott Field on Wednesday with a surprise defeat against mid-table Holsworthy, who hadn’t won a home league game this calendar year.
And the Blues will want to forget their miserable experience in North Devon where Sam Jago’s 25th minute goal earned the points for Ryan Hall’s side.
Liskeard’s indiscipline cost them dearly; they were distracted by the performance of the referee, who may still be working out how many players he showed cards to.
My notes showed that five Liskeard players and manager Darren Gilbert were shown yellow cards, full back Josh McCabe was sin binned towards the end of the first half, and defender Harry Bell saw red late on after continuing his rant at the referee, who initially pointed him towards the sin bin.
Cornwall FA are likely to be in touch with the Lux Park club with a fine for the high number of cautions received in one game.
Holsworthy also had five players yellow carded in an increasingly chaotic second half where the referee looked close to losing control.
Liskeard appeared to be unsettled by the officials early on and when McCabe was sin binned in the 37th minute, manager Gilbert’s comments earned him a yellow.
Gilbert has been a cool character on the touchline for the majority of this season, steering clear of trouble with referees. His yellow card during last Friday’s win at Callington was, as he was happy to tell the referee at the time, his first of the season.
Liskeard’s disciplinary record generally this campaign has been ok – they just seem to have a self-destruct button when it comes to the crunch. Last season’s Walter C Parson Cup final comes readily to mind.
Influential captain Max Gilbert’s red card against third-placed Newquay recently proved very costly, ruling him out of three games in the title run-in. They’ve missed him.
Full credit to Holsworthy’s young side, whose performance thrilled their loyal supporters. They had to defend for long spells and goalkeeper Ryan Chadwick pulled off a couple of excellent saves before Jago’s goal.
Liskeard’s frustrations continued after the break, seeing an effort ruled out for offside in the 52nd minute before losing striker Charlie Young to injury after he came off worst in a midfield challenge. 
Dan Jennings, who has struggled to get into the starting line-up recently despite his 20-plus goals, replaced Smith but within a couple of minutes Jack Tribble was inches away from getting Holsworthy’s second goal.
There was another flashpoint in the 63rd minute when Ben Collins was caught by a late challenge from Jack Tribble and needed treatment but a linesman standing a couple of yards away saw nothing wrong. 
Liskeard thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute when Jarrad Woods appeared to finish off a mazy run but a linesman on the far side had his flag up, presumably for offside.
As the game entered its dying minutes, McCabe was booked, a decision which seemed to rile Bell, whose reaction led to a sin bin yellow, quickly followed by a straight red for continuing his dissent.

Flashpoint: Ben Collins (11) is left requiring treatment after a late challenge by Jack Tribble which went unpunished. Picture: Kevin Marriott

Holsworthy: R Chadwick, C Martyn, C Sargent (W Harris 36), R Buckland, J Peschke, T Martyn, L Haxell, A Slade, S Jago, J Tribble (J Nosworthy 74), G Carter.

Subs: T Wonnacott, S Bingham, R Caglar.

Goal: S Jago (25).

Yellow cards: J Peschke (55), T Martyn (63), A Slade (64), J Tribble (64), T Wonnacott (90+2).

Liskeard: S Borthwick (C Harvey 75), J McCabe, M Outtram, H Bell, M Thorp, R Kane (J Bowker 46), C Merrin, J Woods, C Young (D Jennings 57), M Smith, B Collins.

Subs: J Rowe, H Mullis.

Yellow cards: B Collins (29), C Young (36), D Gilbert (38), M Thorp (64), J Bowker (66), J McCabe (89).

Red card: H Bell (89).

Sin bin: J McCabe (37).

Referee: Matthew Uren.

Revitalised Lillywhites promoted as champions after victory and rivals’ surprise defeat

South West Peninsula League

St Dennis 0 St Austell 4

St Austell will be playing in the Western League premier division next season after two results went their way on the penultimate night of fixtures in the SWPL.
The Lillywhites clinched the premier west title and promotion as their comfortable win at neighbours St Dennis was followed by news that title rivals Liskeard had been surprisingly beaten 1-0 at mid-table Holsworthy.
It left St Austell four points clear with one set of fixtures to go – so they could no longer be caught. 
They will go to Truro City Reserves on Saturday to complete a remarkable season and pick up the championship trophy from league secretary Phil Hiscox.
With plans in the pipeline for major redevelopment of their Poltair Park home, these are exciting times for Town, as they are affectionately known by their loyal supporters.
For a start their local derbies against St Blazey will be back on the fixture list, ensuring big attendances when they meet at Christmas and Easter.
The Western League is a step up in quality but the likes of Mousehole, Tavistock and Helston thrived in it after gaining promotion from the SWPL and are now Southern League teams while Saltash, Falmouth and Torpoint are established teams at that level now.
It could be argued that St Austell are as big a club as any of them.
The Lillywhites’ charge to the SWPL title has been astonishing given their mid-table eighth finish a year ago when they finished 35 points behind champions Blazey. 
But the rebuilding at Poltair started last season under manager Mark Smith, who brought on a number of young players with the aid on the field of captain Neil Slateford, who was a massive influence.
There were times last season when Slateford carried the team – but he needed help. 
The end of the season saw Smith step down because of increasing business commitments and the club turned to former coach Chris Knight, a safe pair of hands and a popular choice. 
Summer recruitment proved crucial. The signing of prolific striker Adam Carter made everybody sit up and take notice and his 30 plus goals have played a major part in their success this season.
Club legend Ollie Brokenshire returned from Blazey, successfully converted from midfield to a central defensive role, and the arrival of goalkeeper Harry Ashton was also key. 
Slateford was suddenly surrounded by quality and he also thrived, producing consistently good performances from midfield and driving team-mates on with his trademark polite encouragement.
It was fitting, therefore, that he set the Lillywhites on the path to victory at St Dennis on Wednesday with a brilliant free kick after only five minutes – only three days after completing the London Marathon.
The early breakthrough settled any nerves the team might have had and further goals followed from George Marris (40 minutes), impact sub Tom Guest (80) and another club legend Liam Eddy (87).
St Austell could even afford a penalty miss with Henry Wilson sending his injury time spot kick wide.
St Austell: A Collins, K Bishop, M Duff, J Shaw (H Wilson 46), R Hooper, T Whipp (H Hann 80), N Slateford (L Eddy 61), N Teagle (M Searle 46), G Marris, A Carter, J Miller. 

Preece’s five goals in two games and keeper Duffey on top of his game for Ashes

Western League
Premier Division 
Saltash United 3 Shepton Mallet 0

Saltash got it right at both ends of the pitch at the Waterways Stadium on Tuesday night as they continued their strong finish to what has been a difficult season.
Striker Joe Preece, fresh from his hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Street, scored twice in the opening half hour to give the Ashes a perfect start.
Goalkeeper Jordan Duffey then emerged as man of the match with a string of excellent saves before substitute Tom Huyton wrapped up the points with a goal 10 minutes from time.
Saltash manager Macca Brown said: “It was superb win. A real squad effort once again and we kicked on from our display on Saturday really. 
“It was tough to call where the game was going to go in the early exchanges, there were similarities to our game versus Illfracombe last week and there wasn’t much between the sides.
“It was bordering on being a bit flat and whoever got the first goal would probably kick into life, and thankfully it was us.”
Of striker Preece, Brown said: “He’s is in good form, he scored two great goals, his second was an absolute stunner and he’s capable of scoring so many different kinds of goals. 
“I’m delighted for Tom Huyton as well, he’s been in and out of the team recently but it can’t be forgotten that he’s been one of our players of the season and for him to get his goal in the end was a nice moment for him. 
“But at the other end Jordan Duffey was outstanding, a man of the match display. He wasn’t peppered by any means but he made three or four exceptional saves at key moments which has a huge impact on the end result. 
“He’s been brilliant since coming back to the club and last night he showed his worth.”
The Saltash manager also paid tribute to Helston Athletic, who clinched the premier division title on the same evening just along the road at Torpoint.
He said: “I’d like to congratulate Matt, Dan and the Helston players on winning the title, in particular two of my former players and two close friends Rikki (Shepherd) and Tom (Payne).
“I’m sure they would have enjoyed wrapping it up at the Mill being ex-Millbrook lads. 
“I’ve said a few times this season that our team at Saltash have been ‘young and naive’, but I remember managing a young and naive Rikki when he was sent off down the Mill as a teenager for some handbags with Gary Williams.
“So to head back there 10 years or so later and win a Western League title shows how good he’s become and I’m certain a few of our lads are on a similar path. 
“You can’t dismiss the challenge Falmouth provided them either, clawing back that huge lead, a week or so ago it was nip and tuck so full credit to them as well, and I wish Westy (Andy Westgarth) all the very best in the play-offs. 
“For us, its been an excellent couple of months. We set some targets back in February and since then we’re fourth in the form table and are averaging just under two points per game, so it seems like one or two things are starting to click. 
“It’s important we finish on a high, we’ve got our final home game on Saturday and the Waterways have been fantastic towards us all season, so it’s important to send them off into the summer with a win before final game on Wednesday.”
Saltash: J Duffey, B Goulty, E Wright, E Goodman, T Yendle (N Salop 81), T Badcott, T Love-Holmes, J Kelsey (T Huyton 70), J Jefford (J Curtis 77), A Goulty, J Preece (J Ewing 77).
Goals: J Preece (23 & 32), T Huyton (80).
Referee: A Hobbs.
Man of the Match: Jordan Duffey. 

Fantastic achievement as classy Helston clinch title and promotion

Western League
Premier Division
Torpoint Athletic 1 Helston Athletic 2

Helston made sure of the premier division title and promotion to the Southern League on Tuesday night with victory over a hard-working Torpoint at The Mill.
Matt Cusack’s side went into the game needing only to avoid defeat to make it impossible for neighbours Falmouth Town, with only one match left, to catch them.
But midfield ace Steve Colwell set them on the way to a win with a superb 22nd minute opener and former Millbrook favourite Rikki Shepherd headed the clincher with 11 minutes left. 
Ryan Richards pulled a goal back with an 89th minute penalty but there was never a chance of Helston coming away from the game with nothing, although to their credit, Torpoint never gave up.
Helston started impressively, passing out of defence with the quality and calm of a team destined for higher climes, and Colwell’s goal, from a cultured shot from 25 yards, served only to underline their superiority.
Torpoint emerged from chasing the ball around for 40 minutes to be the better side for the last five minutes of the half and they even had the ball in the net through Elliott Crawford, an effort ruled out for a foul on keeper Kyle Moore.
The second half was more evenly fought and Helston had to wait until the 79th minute to be able to relax a little, as Shepherd rose to score with his head, by his own admission a rare thing.
Richards’ penalty rewarded Torpoint for a much improved last half hour but in truth the Helston back line were imperious, led by outstanding skipper Harrison Jewell.
Celebrations from the Blues started on the final whistle with the players and coaches singing ‘Championee’ in the centre circle as Steve Massey ran from the opposite side of the ground to join them.
For a club the size of Helston to reach the Southern League has to be regarded as a fantastic achievement; it’s only 13 years since they were in the Cornwall Combination.
Many people and players have played their part in Helston’s meteoric rise in the football pyramid – chairman Paul Hendy being high on the list of those deserving lots of praise.
Matt Cusack was an astute appointment by Massey two years ago. Inexplicably shown the door by Plymouth Parkway, the former Saltash United manager was looking for a new project and Massey provided it.
It was quite a way from Cusack’s Plymouth home but he saw the huge potential at Kellaway Park and has built on an already talented squad which has won the Les Phillips Cup and Cornwall Senior Cup alongside improved league positions. 
Last season they finished sixth in the premier division and this season they have been there or thereabouts at the top of the tree.
The recipe for success in football has always been simple – appoint a good manager/coach, attract quality players, and back that manager all the way. 
Helston’s hierarchy have done just that and now see the rewards for years of hard work. 
Their supporters will have an opportunity to celebrate with players and officials at Kellaway Park on Saturday when they will be presented with the Western League trophy at the last game of the season against Clevedon Town.
Torpoint: R Rickard, R Simmons, D Murray (CJ Pritchard 55), O Haslam, S Hillson, E Crawford, R Smith (M Lucas 81), J Wood (J Pope 68), D Hicks (J Rowe), R Richards, I McCue (J Rowe 53).
Goal: R Richards (89, pen).
Helston: K Moore, T Elliott (C O’Brien 46), C Martindale, J Bentley, H Jewell, S Colwell, G Eastman, J Copp (B Mariko 69), C Damerell, R Shepherd, K Cornish.
Goals: S Colwell (22), R Shepherd (79).
Yellow card: J Copp (40).
Referee: Lee Roberts.
Men of the Match. Torpoint – Owen Haslam; Helston – Harrison Jewell.

All in this together – Helston celebrate after Tuesday’s win at Torpoint. Picture: Kevin Marriott

Lillywhites do what they have to do as title beckons

South West Peninsula League
Premier West
St Austell 2 Holsworthy 0

Leaders St Austell moved a step closer to the title and promotion on Monday night with a comfortable victory over mid-table Holsworthy at Poltair Park.
Goals from two of their most experienced players, top scorer Adam Carter and skipper Ollie Brokenshire, maintained their one point lead over Liskeard with two games to go.
It remains in St Austell’s hands – victories at St Dennis (Wednesday) and Truro City Reserves (Saturday) will clinch the title.
Liskeard, who beat fourth-placed Wendron United 2-0 on Monday, travel to Holsworthy (Wednesday) and complete their season at home to Mullion (Saturday).
In front of a surprisingly small crowd at Poltair on a cold and windy evening, St Austell came out of the traps quickly and deservedly took the lead after 19 minutes with Carter’s looping header from a right wing cross. That was his 32nd goal of the season and he is hot favourite to win the division’s Golden Boot.
The chance to double their lead and make life more comfortable came 10 minutes before half-time when the home side were awarded a penalty but Brokenshire’s spot kick was well saved by Holsworthy keeper Ryan Chadwick.
The visitors, down to the bare bones and only able to name two substitutes, continued to compete well but they rarely threatened to get back into the match.
But St Austell laboured to find a crucial second goal and had to wait until the 72nd minute when Brokenshire was on hand to fire in a left foot shot after a goalmouth scramble following a corner from the right.
By that stage Holsworthy had used their two subs while St Austell introduced four of their six in the last 13 minutes as they saw the game out.
St Austell: A Collins, K Bishop (C Wharton 87), M Duff, H Wilson, O Brokenshire (R Hooper 77), T Whipp, N Teagle, M Searle (T Guest 82), G Marris (J Shaw 65), A Carter (E Timmons 89), J Miller. 
Sub not used: H Hann.
Goals: A Carter (19), O Brokenshire (72).
Holsworthy: R Chadwick, J Ball, C Sargent, J McLean (T Wonnacott 55), J Peschke, R Buckland, L Haxill, S Bingham, J Nosworthy (W Harris 70). 
Yellow card: J Ball (23 minutes).
Referee: Will Annear.
Man of the Match: Henry Wilson.

Liskeard Athletic 2 Wendron United 0

Liskeard did what they had to do at Lux Park on Monday as victory kept alive their title hopes and made sure St Austell must keep winning.

They were ahead after only five minutes when Mike Smith, making his first start for several weeks after injury, was on hand to score.

And they made a similarly fast start in the second half, doubling their lead three minutes after the break through midfield man Macauley Thorp.

Liskeard: C Harvey, J McCabe, M Outtram, H Bell, M Thorp (W Gilbert ), R Kane, C Merrin (J Bowker), J Woods, C Young, M Smith (D Jennings), B Collins.

Goals: M Smith (5), M Thorp (48).

Wendron: Z Telling, I Dryburgh, R May, M Roberts, C Quirk, S Young, R Reeve, L Potts. j Souch, J Stocker, T Watter.

Subs: S Palmer, R Watson, T Bertrand, E Fearn (gk), A Peters.

Devon side could hold key to which Cornwall club become SWPL champions

So it’s down to the last three games for the two teams battling to win the South West Peninsula League premier west title and, with it, promotion to the Western League.

And it’s a team sitting comfortably in 12th place who probably hold the key to whether St Austell or Liskeard Athletic pick up the coveted trophy next weekend.

Holsworthy, the only Devon-based club in the west division, travel to Poltair Park tonight (7.45 kick-off) and two days later host Liskeard at Upcott Field.

And both Cornish clubs will have noticed that the Magpies of North Devon gave Newquay – a side that have beaten both title chasers in recent weeks – a tough time at Mount Wise on Saturday before going down 1-0.

The Lillywhites won 2-1 at Holsworthy nine days ago but it was a difficult hurdle for Chris Knight’s side and he will know they will have to match Holsworthy’s commitment and work rate to get the three points they crave.

After 29 league games St Austell have a one point lead over Liskeard, who have a superior goal difference of 21.

After tonight, St Austell have away games against neighbours St Dennis on Wednesday and Truro City Reserves next Saturday, which they would be expected to win.

They are in the driving seat in that if they win all three remaining games they are champions.

But Liskeard will fight all the way. After a damaging defeat and draw against Newquay inside 48 hours, they bounced back with a 7-1 hammering of St Dennis and a 3-1 win at Callington after being 1-0 down at half-time.

Tonight they are at home to Wendron United, who are fourth in the table and having another excellent season despite losing some of their established players, including striker Charlie Young, who is now a Liskeard player.

Darren Gilbert’s side will have to be at something like their best to win but there was a determination within the injury-hit squad on Friday night which helped turn around a difficult game at the Ginsters Marsh.

Liskeard complete their league campaign at home to Mullion on Saturday and they will be hoping they still have a chance of the title by then.

Keep up to date with the live scores on my Twitter or X account.

Preece and Jefford star as Saltash bounce back in style

Western League

Premier Division

Saltash United 4 Street 0

The future looks very bright at Saltash if Saturday’s excellent performance and result is anything to go by.

Young striker Joe Preece, playing in his first season at this level, bagged himself a hat-trick from a brilliant individual contribution.

And 16-year-old Jack Jefford, making his first senior start, looked way beyond his tender years as he ran the Street defence ragged alongside Preece and was given a rousing round of applause when he was substituted 1( minutes from time.

Joe Preece scores from the penalty spot, watched by debutant, 16-year-old Jack Jefford.
Picture: Daz Hands Photography.

The Ashes, who had been poor when losing 2-0 to Ilfracombe on Thursday night, came out of the blocks on fire and Preece was denied a third minute goal as the Street keeper raced to the edge of his Penske area to tackle him.

But it only took another three minutes for Preece to break the deadlock, bringing down the ball on the edge of the area, beating a defender and firing a fierce shot into the far corner of the net.

Jefford was then denied in the 20th minute by a good save from the keeper and two minutes later Preece’s pass inside saw Jack Kelsey fire a right foot shot which hit the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety.

But the Ashes made it 2-0 on the half hour with a penalty from Preece after Jefford had been upended by the most obvious of trips.

It was 3-0 seven minutes into the second half when a corner when Jefford’s right wing cross was only half cleared and Tyler Yendle, standing in the ‘D’ of the area, crashed a superb shot into the net.

Jefford almost made it 4-0 three minutes later but his right foot shot was tipped around the post.

But Preece did extend the lead, and complete his hat-trick, in the 66th minute when he ran on to a long ball, outpacing a defender before firing it into the net.

Substitute Tom Huyton lifted a shot over the bar from six yards after excellent work by outstanding left back Ethan Wright as the Ashea finished as strongly as ever had started.

Manager Macca Brown said: “It was an excellent display, full of everything that was lacking on Thursday night really – energy, dynamism, excitement, it was a good response.

“It’s funny, you look at the schedule and think a game 36 hours after your previous one would only go one way, but we looked much fresher than we did on Thursday and got the win, and seemingly it was similar for both Torpoint and Illfracombe last week, who got wins in games 36 hours after a disappointing result.

“Maybe it’s a sign of how much more you can get from yourself when you have something to react to despite the odds being against you. 

“Either way, the lads were fantastic, with Joe Preece leading the way with a hat trick. He’s been magnificent for us this season. 

“It’s a big jump from the St Piran League, where he was scoring plenty of goals last season, but playing that level and working your way up can also do you the world of good. 

“Sometimes young players are in a rush to play as high as they can as soon as they can, and whilst that ambition can be applauded, as a striker especially it’s important to go and score goals, find your finishes and get lots of chances, and that’s what he’s done and he’s a better player for it. 

“He has a street footballer style about him, like he’s playing in the playground and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops further in the next couple of seasons. 

“Joe got us off the mark early in the game which gave us the perfect start and we were well on top in that first 20 minutes. That’s been the case so many times this season and we’ve ended up losing the game, so the second goal was key and you probably won’t get a clearer penalty than that.

“I actually thought Street came out well in the opening stages of the second half, so the third goal was key and it knocked the stuffing out of them and any comeback, and in the end it could have been more than the four we ended up scoring. 

“Another mention must go to Jack Jefford, who made his first start for the club at just 16 and was awarded man of the match, which shows you the level of his performance when his strike partner has hit a hat-trick! 

“One thing that has become clear since being at Saltash this season is they like young, local lads being given a chance. In the past that has obviously been the likes of Callum O’Brien or Reece Thomson amongst others, and there’s been a few more come off the conveyor belt this season and they all appreciated Jack’s performance and he got a tremendous reception when he came off which was well deserved. 

“We look forward to welcoming Shepton Mallet on Tuesday in our penultimate home game. They had a fantastic result yesterday so we know it won’t be easy, but hopefully we can go into the game confident in ourselves after a good day at the office.”

Saltash: J Duffey, B Goulty, E Wright, E Goodman (T Huyton 66), T Badcott, T Yendle (N Salop 71), T Love-Holmes, J Toulson, J Jefford (J Curtis 75), J Kelsey (L Murray 78), J Preece (R Knight 77).
Goals: J Preece 3 (6, 31 pen, 66), T Yendle 52.
Attendance: 88.
Man of the Match: Joe Preece.

Super sub Smith turns it around as Liskeard stay in title contention

South West Peninsula League

Premier West

Callington Town 1 Liskeard Athletic 3

Liskeard scored three goals in the second half on Friday evening to secure a victory which left them a point behind leaders St Austell with three games to play.

The Blues trailed to a 44th minute Finley Skews goal and looked off the pace but the introduction of Mike Smith immediately after the break turned the game around.

Smith, making a surprise return to action after a lengthy injury lay-off, equalised on the hour and made sure of the points with an 84th minute penalty. 

Squeezed between Smith’s double was a simple headed goal by Charlie Young after he was set up by a great piece of wing work by youngster Calum Merrin.

Merrin, moved to the left flank from the right in the second half, held off a couple of challenges on the edge of the penalty area before delivering an inch perfect cross with his left foot and Young was never going to miss from six yards.

Callington had started the game strongly and made life difficult for Darren Gilbert’s men, with Kevin McCallion driving the home side forward against a nervy Liskeard defence.

And their goal came as the result of poor defending at a corner, with Merrin only half clearing at the near post. The ball fell to Skews, who sent a low drive through a crowded six yard box into the far corner.

Liskeard probably needed one of Gilbert’s famous half-time pep talks; whatever was said at the break worked, because the Blues were a different proposition in the second half.

So to the final week, which starts on Monday evening with home games for both title contenders – St Austell against Holsworthy and Liskeard facing fourth placed Wendron United at Lux Park.

It’s then on to Wednesday night and two away games with the Lillywhites taking on local rivals St Dennis; Liskeard travel over the border to face Holsworthy.

And the final day of the league season will see the Blues at home to Mullion while St Austell travel to Truro City Reserves.

St Austell have to be regarded as slight favourites but Liskeard, with a superior goal difference of 21, won’t be throwing in the towel just yet. As they showed on Friday.

Callington: J Mead-Crebbin, F Newman, F Ferris (J Angel-Craven 86), C Pritchard, H Southcott, B Langton, T Goodright, J Wakenshaw 80), K McCallion, L Robinson, K Prescott, F Skews.

Subs not used: J Brenton, B Alford, R Lindsell.

Goal: F Skews (44).

Yellow cards: F Ferris (33), K McCallion (47), B Langton (50).

Sin bin: K Prescott (85).

Liskeard: S Borthwick (C Harvey 87), J McCabe, M Outtram, W Westlake, M Thorp (W Gilbert 89), R Kane, C Merrin, J Woods (J Gilbert 86), C Young (J Bowker 78), D Jennings (M Smith 46), B Collins.

Goals: M Smith (61 & 84, pen), C Young (69).

Yellow cards: J McCabe (15), B Hopkinson (55), D Gilbert (85).

Sin bin: Jarrad Woods (64).

Attendance: 315.

Men of the Match. Callington – Kevin McCallion; Liskeard – Mike Smith.

Callington Town v Liskeard Athletic.

Helston go top with defensive masterclass

Western League
Premier Division 
Helston Athletic 1 Falmouth Town 0

Rikki Shepherd stole the headlines on Thursday evening as Helston recorded a slender victory over Falmouth which took them above their Cornish rivals at the top of the Western League. 
The former Millbrook striker was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball into the net from close range in the 16th minute after a goalmouth scramble that left Falmouth keeper Morgan Coxhead requiring treatment.
In what has developed into a great title race between two neighbours, the three points took Matt Cusack’s side above Falmouth on a superior goal difference of 16 with a game in hand.
Andrew Westgarth’s team have only two games left – Shepton Mallet away on Saturday and Old Abbotonians at home on Saturday week – and they are likely to need two wins to keep the pressure on Helston.
The Blues are back at Kellaway on Saturday to face Buckland Athletic, their game in hand sees them travel to Torpoint Athletic next Tuesday, and they finish at home against Clevedon Town on Saturday week.
Shepherd’s strike proved to be the only goal of a game which featured two of the best defensive teams in the Western League.
And while the magnificent crowd of 1,179 were quieter than expected possibly because of a lack of penalty area thrills, the ability to defend a lead proved to be Helston’s strength.
This was their 14th clean sheet in the league – Falmouth have also kept 14 – and they rarely looked like conceding with their keeper Kyle Moore brilliantly protected by his back four.
Left back Callum Martindale was named as the sponsors’ man of the match but it could have been any of the defenders. Dave Barker oozed experience and calmness at right back, while Jordan Bentley and Callum O’Brien were magnificent in central defence.
The closest Falmouth came to scoring was in the 21st minute when a James Ward piledriver from the edge of the box was brilliantly blocked by Bentley at full stretch. 
Helston relied on breaks and set pieces for their best opportunities and from a 54th minute corner, O’Brien’s glancing header at the near post went agonisingly wide of the far post.
On the hour Aaron Bentley tried his luck from 20 yards with a rasping low shot which just cleared the post with Coxhead struggling to get across. 
As the game entered its final stages Falmouth stepped up the pressure with their best period of the match and came close a couple of times.
The best opportunity was created by substitute Luke Brabyn, who robbed Helston keeper Moore as he tried to clear on the left edge of his penalty area, and curled his shot in the direction of an unguarded net.
Unfortunately the curl took the ball away from the net and no other Falmouth player had gambled to get on the end of it.
The referee somehow found 12 minutes of time added on which added to the late drama but adding more than a quarter of the entire second half seemed excessive.
If it wasn’t the best football match to watch, the occasion, with a crowd of more than a thousand, provided a special night under the moon and the floodlights. 
After all, how many games in Cornwall have kick-offs delayed because of crowd congestion?

Helston: K Moore, D Barker, C Martindale, J Bentley, C O’Brien, A Bentley, S Colwell, T Payne (B Mariko 64), C Damerell, R Shepherd, J Copp.
Subs: T Elliott, S Carter, H Jewell, K Cornish.
Goal: R Shepherd (16).
Yellow cards: J Copp (21), B Mariko (68).
Falmouth Town: M Coxhead, J Swann, B Leivers, A Calkeja-Stayne, T Annear (J Grange76), J Ward, L Barner, J Webber (C Hutchinson 60), R Wilson (L Brabyn 64), O Massey, J Sims (A Elcock 60).
Yellow cards: T Annear (67), A Elcock (83).
Referee: Ryan Dennis.
Attendance: 1,179.
Men of the Match: Helston – Jordan Bentley; Falmouth – Andreas Calleja-Stayne.

The scene at Kellaway Park on Thursday evening.