Match Report, Dave Gardner Tournament

[cornishteddyboy]

1st August 2009

Helston Athletic 5-1 Penzance Invitation XI

Penzance fielded an invitation XI for their remaining fixture in the Dave Gardner Tournament played at Kellaway Park, Helston. To be truthful at times the side looked rather makeshift and this was reflected in the final score line.

Penzance were on the defensive from the start and it was only poor finishing preventing Helston getting their noses in front until the 12th minute.

Helston break left, cross into a crowded box, where Mike Davis takes a step back in the centre to volley high into the net. 1-0 after 12mins.

Penzance did have some breaks but these broke down in the final third of the pitch whilst again Helston squandered their chances. At the back the Magpies’ last two defenders were often exposed 2 on 2. John Matthews the veteran defender was busy clearing cross after cross.

Penzance equalise just before the half hour. Getting the ball midfield, Ashley Thomas threads a great ball through on the right to the edge of the box where Andy Trathen turns and shoots cross goal all in one move. A great volley to watch. 1-1 after 29mins.

A few minutes later Helston are awarded a penalty for shirt pulling in the box. Neil Southall steps up but fires the ball high over the bar.

Five minutes later Helston go in front again. A through ball from the centre sees Mike Davis one on one with the keeper. He knocks the ball round Craig Nicholls into the empty net. 2-1 after 42mins.

Just before the end of the half Southall has a another chance to get off the mark when he works the ball down the left channel, dummies the keeper but blasts over from 6yds out.

H-T

Both sides start substitutions on a regular basis in the second half. At times Helston seem to be making them every couple of minutes!

The half is only five minutes old when Helston get their third, a simple route one goal. A long kick from their keeper, the ball is knocked on, Mike Davis runs onto it and volleys low from 15ds out to complete his hat-trick. 3-1 after 50mins.

More chances go begging for Helston. A good lobbed ball is headed just over when too score would be easier.

Penzance bring on a couple of youngsters who have been playing for Marazion and they do quite well. Helston’s substitutions seem to disrupt their tempo and Penzance start to come back into the game but they still defend with a man short at the back time and again.

Just after the hour Southall finally gets onto the score sheet for Helston. They lob the ball into the box from the right. There is a bit of ping-pong when the ball is deflected here and there until Southall taps in from 8yds out. 4-1 after 63mins.

Penzance seem to settle and hold out until just before the end. Helston knock the ball in from 30yds out, it is knocked back out to Tom Sobey who fires low past the keeper to make it 5-1 after 85mins.

The ref calls a halt to proceedings and Penzance pick up the Wooden Spoon in this season’s tournament.

Penzance from Craig Nicholls, Steve Hancock, John Matthews, Jimmy England, Andy Trathen, Max Davis, Ashley Thomas, James Eddy, Greg Olds, Alan spencer Smith, Ryan Holland, Adam Hopkins, and others.

Corners – Helston 6-1 Penzance (2-1 1st half)

Crowd – 100+

[Mike Odgers]

Was it 5-1 or 6-1

Western Morning News had it 6-1. Neil Southall 3 Mike Davies 2 and Tom Sobey

Can anyone from Helston confirm?

[Special_d]

confirmed 6-1 neil 3 mikey 2 tom 1

[Football person]

sobey again on the sheet, can we keep hold of him? im keeping my fingers crossed.