Both Sides of the Tamar

When is the Cup Final and what is the k.o time? I assume the final is at Lanson AFC?

Can't beat a bit of green on a football shirt, especially Argyle's 2022/23 Hibernian-like shirt! Look forward to catching up again soon and seeing that Bude card collection grow further 😉

Wayne did really well at the now defunct Mount Gould before that. Ivies are good to watch and offer a pleasant place to watch football too. I hope they do well. What was the gate last night Dave?

Impossible to say with St A. Like their neighbours Blazey 12 months ago, quite a few won’t step up to WL due to time / travel demands of Step 5’. The Ivies will be no Millvrook, but can’t see them challenging either, unless squad strengthened, but I doubt they have the money for that. Geographically (for me) and for many in Cornwall two ‘helpful’ additions to the WL travel wise.

I knew you’d bite SB. As always you live up to your CFF moniker!

A fabulous game tonight. Free flowing, see-saw game with both teams having periods of dominance. An even first half, Snozzle edged the second, with the Ivies coming on strong in the closing minutes. No surprise there as they were chasing the game! 18 minutes in and it was 1-1. Ivies took the lead after a defensive mix up involving the St A keeper allowed Owen Pritchard to score. Very quickly Snozzle were level. Henry Wilson dispossessed a defender and comfortably score from about 10 yards. From there on the game ebbed and flowed with both sides having opportunities. An even first half. The second period saw St Austell start strongly and they were firmly on top. Deservedly, a beautiful Jake Miller strike from about 20 yards on 55 minutes had the Lilywhites in front. They continued to have the upper hand but couldn’t finish the game off. As the game entered its later stages St Austell were warned. The Devonians saw an effort roll along the line. It looked certain to go in off the far post but somehow didn’t. Close! 95 minutes and the ball is forced home in dramatic fashion from close in. No idea of the scorer. Maybe an own goal? The Cornishmen were 60 seconds from a second trophy, but at no point did Ivybridge give up. Their late probing and strong team spirit got them a last gasp draw…… and then a 5-4 win on penalties! A superb game. A real credit to the SWPL. Another well organised and hosted game by Lanson. The only disappointment was the crowd. I’d guess at about 180. That is well down on the two previous such finals I’ve been to. Always have this game on a Saturday, especially in view of where the proceeds go. Gate money matters for this fixture! 3 games left for me now this season. The Les Phillips Cup Final on Sunday and St Piran League games at Saltash Borough and Looe Town. Around 80 live games seen this season and tonight was one of the best. I look forward to seeing who Liskeard play in next years Champions Bowl 😉

I think I’d want to see the new ownership signs and sealed and see what the TUFC budget is. Certainly putative owners have spoken of the Gulls going P/T.

Calling yourself a ‘floodlights pervert’ was a memorable turn of phrase Rappo!

I went regularly to home games in Plymouth. Ed Palmer my Player of the Season!

Observations from Liskeard v St Austell CSC Semi Final. Firstly, excellent staging of the game by Lanson, as ever. Game, set and match to St Austell. Four meetings with the Blues and three wins and a draw in their favour this season. No arguing with that. For all their attractive football Liskeard fall short again. Overall it was a tight game which could have gone either way, but once they went in front I rarely thought the Blues would turn it around. When on around the hour mark Cal Merrin earns himself a daft sending off, I always felt St Austell had the know how to see the game out. To beat St Austell from a goal and player downs was always going to be really tough ask. St Austell denied Liskeard space and were a model of organisation, whilst breaking quickly. Liskeard edged chances created, although these were few, but lacked any conviction in the final third - very strange in view of the number of goals they have scored. Max Gilbert was a huge miss from their line-up. Strange too, when tactically, St Austell were doing a number on them, the Blues playing style or temp didn’t change much. More of the same just didn’t work. Jam Tart was with me at the game. He said, like I’ve often said, the Blues are the best footballing side in the SWPL-W, but falling short in the biggest games is becoming an unwanted habit, this time to a deft headed Eddy finish. Yesterday reminded me of the number St Blazey had on the Blues n the league game at Lux Park last year. The free flowing style was nullified by experienced heads, disciplined organisation, denying space and being able to take an opportunity when it presents itself. Overall a very impressive, albeit few frills or thrills, from the Poltair boys. I think they just about deserved it. Good luck in the Final.

For clubs that remain in the SWPL West their best players are always going to be picked off. Some of them do lack ambition so they are more vulnerable. Newquay were typically Newquay this season. As ever, capable of beating anyone, but prone to surprising mishaps against lesser teams. Any club with any kind of profile needs to be aiming for the WL. The ‘ Mints clearly in that category.

Ty, Rocky and Hamon all essential for the White Tigers.

On a serious note, IMO Max is the best player in SWPL West. Surely he *should* be wanted by a WL or SL South Div One club. If he’s not the best then who is in your opinion? Of course, more than happy for him to stay in the Liskeard Blue!

Harmon needs to be desperately retained. As good as any ‘keeper in the NL South. I feel Melhado a little unlucky, but no qualms with the departees. I’d not be too bothered about Bude. Ports will be a loss but understandable that he wants to return up north. Think continuity is wise. It’ll be interesting to see what this group can do now City will have a proper home base.

Right on both counts!

A few months ago I remarked on the potential 'green shoots' of revival at the Waterways. IF, and it is a big if, some more experienced heads, could be added to their emerging youthful squad then the Ashes could be play-off contenders next season. Yesterday they were outstanding. They scored 5 but could easily have been in double figures, even allowing for some missed opportunities. The Welton 'keeper to my counting made NINE fantastic saves, blocks or interventions. it was the best display of goalkeeping I've seen all season. Of course, it will not have gone unnoticed elsewhere the development of the likes of Ethan Wright, Joe Preece, Kieran O'Melia and the import Jack Curtis. I hope all these stay at Saltash for at least another year. Earlier in the season I saw a succession of games where Saltash matched some of the biggest names in the WL. However, few points were accrued as they lack(ed) a serial finisher. That is still the case. Of course, the most expensive part of any team and such a player difficult to find. Duffey continues to be first class between the posts. A striker and a 'Neil Slateford' type midfielder could transform the Ashes. Under the radar I think Macca Brown is doing a very tidy job. Since February only 3 teams have claimed more WL points. A very interesting summer ahead. It should be far less fraught than 12 months earlier! I can say it has been a real joy going to Saltash, with my semi-regular visits showing to me continuous team and individual improvement throughout the season. I'd go as far to say watching this squad develop has been the highlight of my season. I go to a lot of games. It's numbering about 70 for the season, from EPL to Step 7, yet I've looked forward to trips to Saltash as much as anywhere. That was not what I would have been expecting to write last July! Good luck Ashes and outside their fold I repeat my assertion that things are looking promising again at the Ashes. I hope I'll be proved right!

As I said, to consolidate at Step , Henderson is a safe choice. Establishing Tavi at Step 4 is relative success. I think he could do the same in the Southern Prem. If that is the short term aim it would be a sensible if not inspiring choice. If you want to push towards the upper reaches of Step 3 and challenge for promotion then maybe not the one to go for. Having seen a fair bit of Tavi they aren't the prettiest side to watch either. One up front usually and over-reliant on Liam Prynn. However, it is not all about the manager. It is about the ambition of the board and the funding of a competitive squad, both in terms of number and quality. The likes of Matt Wright and Reece Thomson and others of a similar ability won't cut it. The board has had an easy ride to date. Will that continue? Does another investor need to be found? Is it Mark Russell who has as many / more limitations as the manager just departed? A thorough refresh of the squad needed. A better approach to pre-season might help furnish a better start too. Interesting times! I think establishing Tavi at Step 4 is a pretty good achievement.

Henderson a fairly safe bet. Used to working on restricted budgets. He'd be the consolidate at Step 3 option.

I don’t think Lee Hobbs is a Step 3 manager, but without doubt his achievements are beyond stellar at PPFC. I enjoyed his post-match interview after Beaconsfield, a great mix of pride and passion. If I was choosing his replacement I’d go for Matt Cusack. Parkway need someone who can be both a good coach and tactician. He knows the club too. All the best to Lee moving forward.

Why are YOU always **snarky** ? First sentence would have sufficed. Congratulations to St Austell. To finish above a very talented Liskeard side is outstanding work. Good luck Snozzle in the WL.

Living in the Tamar Valley it has been really pleasing to see the progress of Cally Tn and Lanson. Both teams have an accent upon local youthful talent. A bit further away surely this is the route Bodmin needs to follow to get out of their ongoing malaise?

All that seems to be right. When I’ve seen Helston over recent years, they have been organised, difficult to beat with an ability to grind results out, even when not playing well. Fluent and easy on the eye? - rarely in games I’ve seen. Of course, the constant churn of players when Mass was in charge of team affairs and money attracting players from far and near not loved by all, but they weren’t / aren’t alone in this. Yet for a time Helston were singled out for doing so. Overall, I think Mass is good for Helston obviously, but Cornish football generally, although going to games in suits, his ‘Alan Partridge’ like Piran Films persona and Helston’s over-reliance on him give rise to criticism from some. Others resent the Blues and others’ success! No-one can surely doubt his commitment to the club, with him watching the youth / development and women’s teams , as well as the flagship side. My take is simple. I want clubs in Cornwall and Devon to reach their highest practicable level. It is good that Cornwall has clubs now at several levels of the NLS. Hopefully we will see Parkway stay up and Falmouth in Step 4 soon.

All fair points. I was last night, upon visiting for the first time, a bit disappointed with Trungle Parc. Small stand with some seats not usable and more feeling not very strong. Two of those drop in ‘Step 6’ type stands going in aren't going to look great. The travel logistics / cost on crowds of 150 could be challenging. Step 3 - is it too much too soon? If PPFC find it a struggle then what of Mousehole? Tivvy struggle on relatively small gates too. The Mousehole story is one that has rightly brought them admirers as well as respect. Helston get mostly just the latter. Why? Just curious. Isn’t it one of playing style, personalities, or simply unexplainable? Lastly well done Helston. Go well in the SL. Hopefully Falmouth will join you!

Impressive second half from the Seagulls. When they get into their rhythm they are a joy to watch. I enjoyed my first visit to Trungle Parc, although ground currently surely needs upgrading should they be in Step 3 next season, as they could be. Seats in the stand uncomfortable and I thought mine might break…… I’m not THAT big and heavy!! It is, for now, not a fun experience walking along the track en-route back to the village either. I was told new stand/s imminent and, of course, the ‘Trungle Track’ there are plans for. A further improving ground to go with a continually improving team would be fantastic. Interesting to see hear / see Jake Ash at work. He always cuts such an impressive figure. Here’s hoping Mousehole realise those play-off ambitions on Saturday!

Season ending as the Ashes come into some good form. I’m expecting further improvement to be seen next season! The potential for a good side is there. A few more experienced heads maybe needed though!