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Annual Charity Match - St Austell XI vs Cornwall Football Forum XI


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St Austell XI 3 – 7 Cornwall Football Forum XI

Richard Chown’s Forum XI overcame a much-improved second half display from St Austell to win the annual charity match on behalf of Help for Heroes and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust at Poltair Park this afternoon.

Chown’s team, selected from local Cornish footballers, made a dream start when Danny Ford held off his marker to slot the ball past St Austell goalkeeper Kai Stone with just a minute on the clock. The annual charity encounter is typically a free-scoring affair and the opening quarter of an hour proved to be the quietest period of the game with both sides struggling to carve out an opening.

The Forum XI looked a threat when going forward with James Miller at the heart of each attacking move. St Austell’s Dave Kitson had to be alert to the threat of another counter attack and was on hand to prevent a second goal when St Austell were faced with a numerical disadvantage at the back. Phil Hutchings driven shot was St Austell’s first meaningful attempt on goal, slicing the ball wide of the target from range after Dan Tree was adjudged to have been onside on the edge of the area.

Gaps appeared as St Austell sought to find an equaliser, resulting in a second goal for the away side after twenty-five minutes. Smart work on the left from Danny Ford left goalkeeper Stone out of position as Josh Burton swept the ball into the empty net from fifteen yards.

St Austell responded with three changes in an attempt to reduce the arrears, however, Pete Davey was on hand to deny St Austell the space that they needed to carve out an opportunity. Davey’s clearance fell to Dan Tree, who was able to create enough space to strike the ball goalwards from twenty-five yards, however, Dennis Fallowfield was on hand to tip his goalbound strike over the crossbar for a corner.

With the majority of possession occurring in the centre of the pitch, St Austell’s Kev Grainger was warned by referee Jonathan Harris for a late challenge. The resulting free kick was collected by Davey, who found Miller with his pinpoint pass; Miller took the ball in his stride and slotted a pass out to the right wing to the feet of Josh Burton, who whipped a perfect cross that was met with a fine header from Danny Ford for the third goal of the game.

Grainger demonstrated two sides to his game moments after, collecting a booking for another clumsy challenge, followed moments later with some fine work on the left wing that almost resulted in St Austell reducing the arrears. St Austell finally made amends with ten first half minutes remaining; Dave Hooper collected the ball on the edge of the box, turning his defender to make room to curl a fine left-footed strike which evaded Fallowfield and went in via the far post.

With five first half minutes remaining, Colin Kettle collected the ball on the half-way line, turned his marker with ease and lifted a left-footed shot from range over the crossbar. Danny Ford had a presentable opportunity to score his third and struck the ball over the St Austell crossbar when well placed to score. With the first half nearing a conclusion, experienced striker Andy Trathen added a fourth with a deft strike, lifting the ball over the advancing St Austell goalkeeper.

The Forum XI were good value for their first half lead and two quick second-half goals took the game away from the home side. The Forum XI extended their lead four minutes into the second period when Buckley’s raking pass allowed room on the right for talented youngster Ryan Trathen to drive a pinpoint cross into the path of Brett Adams to slot home a fifth. The margin became greater within a minute when Colin Kettle scrapped for the loose ball; the resulting strike on goal was fumbled by Stone and Kettle was on hand to prod the ball home from six yards to put the Forum XI five goals ahead.

Chown changed his team and St Austell responded quickly when Grainger’s goalbound header was cleared amidst a goalmouth scramble. St Austell’s Neil Slateford had a positive influence on the second half; a fine run and left-footed strike from the edge of the area beat substitute goalkeeper Michael Andrew to reduce the arrears to four. That quickly became three as Slateford’s pace allowed him to beat his marker, cutting across the edge of the area to fire home his second goal with another smart finish with twenty minutes remaining.

St Austell had dominated possession and a comeback looked possible until confusion in the home defence allowed Ford to nick the ball from Stone, who had left his area when attempting to clear. Ford still had plenty to do and his fine strike from the corner of the area found the net via the far post for a very well-deserved hat-trick. With the four goal advantage restored, the away team were able to absorb St Austell pressure in the final ten minutes and were delighted with their win.

Darren Buckley was selected as man of the match for his fine defensive performance.

Manager Richard Chown expressed his thanks to St Austell Football Club for hosting the match and on behalf of everyone involved passed on his best wishes to Steve Massey, wishing his son a speedy recovery. Richard also thanked the match officials (Jonathan Harris, Darryn Bragg and Josh Hadrill) for their contribution and acknowledged everyone that provided support and charitable donations.

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Fantastic match report Michael! I would like to again thank all those involved and hope everyone had a great day. Thanks to AFC St Austell for their hospitality and to the match officials for making the day go ahead. We will get some photos on here soon and will get the grand total raised posted during the week.

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Great day

Was a bit rusty myself and should have done better with the two goalsi conceded

The cat

hi mate nothing you could have done mate with those goals you made some good saves too really enjoyed the game and would love to play in that side week in week out outstanding!! see yu soon mate

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