Torpoint Athletic 3rds 22/23

[Foul Throw 3]

Pre Season results

Torpoint 4-3 Dobwalls Res - a hot day even with the earlier KO time. Rusty from both sides with only 10 regulars in our squad, with the winner coming late on with a great strike from distance by Aidan Northcott.

Elburton Res 3-2 Torpoint - a much larger squad but again quite rusty. 2 great goals scored by Cotter and Payn but at the back I was disappointed we weren't better.

Helston 3rds 0-1 Torpoint - another roasting in 20-25 degrees with a squad of 13 including one irregular and me! Great surface and clubhouse at Helston. Both sides played quite well and a draw would've been fair, only for a tired own goal late on making it 0-1. Major negative on the day was the idiot gaffer falling out of the minibus at Hamburger Hill Maccy's cos I'd had too many too drink. I blame the heat!

Torpoint 1-2 Ivybridge 3rds - no goalkeeper for Ivy 3rds so we lent them our two for 45mins each, both kept them in the game as we created lots of shooting opportunities. Another day we probably win heavily but hey ho. Unfortunately I've heard Ivy have since folded. 

Only 5 weeks off between the 21/22 season ending and pre season seemed to fly by but local football is starting earlier and earlier now with winter basically being a 2 month break. Ready to go again next week with the opener at home vs fellow champions North Petherwin and 5 games in the opening 3 weeks.

[Foul Throw 3]

Opening game of the season

Torpoint Ath 1 - 2 North Petherwin

Torpoint goalscorer - Chris Westall.

Lineup: WestallM, Bartolini, WhiteJ, WhiteS, Hussey, Pearce, Northcott, Rowe, Easterbrook, WestallC, Ferguson.

Subs: Blair, Burrell, Warren. Unused: Walton.

Two sides who were champions of their respective divisions last season so neither would've taken the other for granted. An absolute sweltering day and was far too hot to watch let alone play. Felt for both squads and poor Allen in his all black referee's kit.

Torpoint had the brighter start and opened the scoring on 15mins. A superb corner from Hussey was met with good movement and a strong header by the skipper followed by a fine worthy celebration. For the first 25mins we were on top and had multiple chances to be further ahead, but a goal line header at the back post from another set piece kept us out, some unreal goalkeeping and a pinball melee where 3-4 shots in a row were destined for 2-0 but Petherwin put their bodies on the line to defy the odds. This buoyed them and they didn't rest on their laurels. From 30mins on they grew in confidence and were winning all the duels particularly in midfield. Around 40mins they equalised with a shin roller which probably deceived keeper WestallM. HT 1-1.

2nd half was mostly Petherwin on top. Despite the heat they didn't look like they were letting up and physically dominated the middle of the park. Despite Torpoint making a few subs for fresher legs, neither could get into the game. The distances between attack and defence was far too big to be compact defensively or support each other in possession. Really disappointing to see as despite the temperatures, it was the same conditions for both sides. At 1-1 chances did come our way with WestallC doing superb to body the centre half and spin him to get through on goal to slip the ball under the keeper. But again the willingness from Petherwin had a defender rush in to clear from the line. Warren also got through on goal but the bouncing ball just wouldn't drop enough to make the chance a little easier, with the ball being lifted over the keeper and the goal. On 87mins Petherwin won a free kick wide right on the halfway line. (Was never a free kick). A huge delivery was swung in and the Petherwin motm won a great header to take the lead and crush our mood. 

Based on chances we should've won the game and I wanted the keeper to reveal himself as Manuel Neuer. Petherwin didn't give up on anything though and ultimately that attitude won them the 3 points. A bitter pill to swallow as it usually is when you lose. No excuses though and our standards were low yesterday and that was more disappointing than the loss. Onto Wednesday where hopefully we can move on quickly. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 2 - 0 Looe Town

Torpoint goalscorers - Jake White, Zak Pearce. 

Lineup: Jackson, Bartolini, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Robbins, Payn, Rowe, Easterbrook, Warren, Ferguson.

Subs: Northcott, Blair, Clarke, Rosevear. Unused: Carter.

A far better performance than Saturday. Maybe not the quality in the opposition half but far more resolute and the hard work and attitude was what we expect. The opening spells lacked penetration but most duels went our way and the intent was there. A few good opportunities were thwarted by strong defending. Resulting corners were a threat but an inconsistent delivery left Looe unpunished. Around 30mins in a corner was cleared but only as far as Will Ferguson, who crossed superbly for captain of the evening Jake White to send a brilliant header into the corner to take the lead. HT 1-0.

HT discussions were based upon improving our final ball, being brave with our shape and squashing any revival. To my relief we extended our lead around 53mins. A Robbins free kick 35yards from goal to the right was expected to be whipped in. But Robbins and Bartolini were far more aware of the positioning than the sleeping left back. Robbins slipped the ball inside the full back to Bartolini charging towards the byline who smashed the ball across the 6yd box to the onrushing Pearce for his 1st goal upon his return to the club. The first of many no doubt. 

From then on there was a little more comfort and confidence, but still lacking in the final ball. A hard surface ran the ball through to the goalkeepers at both ends all game, as well as us lacking technical quality in possession in key areas. An off day for Easterbrook and the missing WestallC was evident, but there's still plenty of ability in our large squad to win games, which was pleasing to see. Ferguson again looked sharp as he did in Spring which was another positive. A debut for 16yr old Ed Clarke was another good option with the young striker looking dangerous both aerially and in his movement. One to keep an eye on. Onto Saturday with the luxury of Blaise Park. 

[Foul Throw 3]

St Blazey 0 - 5 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers - Ryan Easterbrook x3, Josh Payn, Zak Pearce. 

Lineup: WestallM, Bartolini, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Northcott, Payn, Rowe, Easterbrook, Ferguson, WestallC.

Subs: Robbins, Clarke, Brown, Carter. Unused: Bays.

After an opening day loss last week, yesterday was thoroughly enjoyable to get 6pts on the board and 7 unanswered goals since. 

A strong squad yesterday and the early rounds were probing for both sides. For the opening 20mins the Blazey defence looked fairly resolute, one centre half in particular. But in possession long switches of play and a direct approach gave us the ball back quite often. The first goal was a 2nd in 2 games for Zak Pearce, heading in Northcott's nice delivery from a corner. On half an hour great work down the right hand side by the dangerous Will Ferguson resulted in him bursting past his full back, not for the first time, and a great low cross into the box was finished at the back post for Ryan Easterbrook's first of the season. 2-0 HT.

HT the usual cliche of "2-0 is a dangerous scoreline so squash any hope of a comeback early." 47mins, 3-0! Perfect for me on the side and instant relax for the team. Will Ferguson again the catalyst, attacked inside the box, cut inside his man and got off a left footed shot toward the far post, with Turner in goal saving well, but the onrushing Josh Payn was first to the loose ball to fire home. A man on form!

After 70mins the game was wrapped up with Easterbrook getting our 4th and 5th to seal his hat trick. The first assisted by a Josh Payn cross and the second by Byron Robbins which resulted in Ryan scoring his 3rd but ending up in a heap on the floor much to our amusement. All relevant subs on by this point and valuable minutes, particularly for 2 young 16 year olds. After this point Blazey improved in possession with the game out of reach, McAvoy in particular installing some calm to procedures. Very little happened in the game after this that I can recall.

Word for referee Alan Howells who as usual was approachable to all and had very little to deal with. Don't recall a single bad tackle all game and possibly no cards either. I don't remember any.  All the best for Blazey for the rest of the season, except our rematch. Onto Weds again for another midweeker, this time at Lux Park vs Liskeard Res.

[Foul Throw 3]

Liskeard Ath Reserves 1 - 3 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers - Ryan Easterbrook x2, Byron Robbins 

Lineup: WestallM, Bartolini, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Northcott, Robbins, Rowe, Easterbrook, Ferguson, WestallC.

Subs: Clarke, Blair, WhiteS, Carter. Unused: Bays.

Very thankful for the 3pts this morning. During the opening 30-35mins and even now on reflection, Liskeard gave us a footballing lesson and were lucky to only be 1-0 up. Thankfully despite the poor performance in that half an hour, at least we had a few dogged defenders and Wibby in goal to keep the attacks at bay just enough to keep us in the game. It genuinely could've gone away from us. But around half an hour we managed to battle our own demons and mentality as well as ease our way back into the game. Robbins got on the ball more in the middle to dictate a little more of our tempo, as well as Wibz, Pearce and WhiteJ adding some patience to our game. The first 30 was frantic and frankly not good enough all over the pitch when in possession. 

Liskeard scored in the opening 15mins and it was both deserved and inevitable. We weathered a storm and Liskeard will feel aggrieved today not knowing they should've buried us early. But around half an hour we finally calmed down on the ball and relaxed a little. Passes found feet, players had options to give the ball to and finally we made 3-4 passes in a row. But even then we did struggle to break Liskeard down imo but it was promising at least. The equaliser was around 44mins when a freekick around 30-35yds was curled over the wall and past the helpless keeper from Robbins for a great strike. Liskeard were crushed conceding so close to halftime which gave them a 60second head loss, and straight from the restart we won the ball back and scored again. Somehow the ball broke free in the box and Easterbrook stuck the ball in the net on 45mins for a HT 2-1 lead, undeserved and we knew it.

My HT team talk was more improvised than ever cos after 30mins my head was boiling but little by little we edged our way back in. The home changing room was audible from our own and their frustration was evident. Our own approach now was to take count of a little luck but add to the improvement we'd made in the last 10mins. Defending the slope in the 2nd half would be difficult we knew that, but a strong mental approach would see us through. 

From the restart there was a far better aura from the side and was pleasing to see how they dealt with the game. We kept the ball better, were more compact without it and all over the pitch players were covering the extra hard yards to maintain the score line. However, there was another slice of luck as very early into the half skipper WestallC was shown a booking for a lunge, which most saw as a red card except the man who counts. A sliding doors moment because 10 men for 40mins would've been a nightmare, and Liskeard must've felt the world was against them considering their opening 30mins. Liskeard were definitely still in the game though and had spells, but Wibz was strong aerially and Pearce in particular in the backline was having a good game. Around 70mins in Wibby had the ball in his hands, everyone pushed up the pitch, he threw the ball into Robbins in midfield who turned and either picked him out or played the %s ball, but either way it put Easterbrook through on goal 1v1 with a defender on the inside channel. With space either side to choose between, the cut inside the defender and leathered it low into the near corner to extend our lead for 3-1. 

From then on it was relatively comfortable. Not that we had the ball in good possession or didn't have to wave off attacks, but without the ball our shape was good and defensively we were making the right decisions. We gave away very few free kicks or set pieces and that alone is sometimes enough to not add on unnecessary pressure. Clarke now on up front was running relentlessly along with his wide men and fresh legs in midfield in WhiteS were covering enough ground to ease the pressure on tiring legs. By this point hope of a comeback was dwindling and frustrations were evident. The last 10mins didn't seem to drag on as long as it sometimes feels but the 2 goal cushion was warming. A huge 3pts considering the first 30mins and Liskeard are a strong side when their team has the likes of Bartlett, Podmore, Woods and Harris in. A big challenge on paper and an even bigger one at that half hour mark. Sore legs this morning (and head for Hussey who lost a 1v1 headbutt to a blade of grass) but totally worth it I hope. 

Onto Saturday where the lads are away to St Dennis Reserves but I'll be fined for being absent on a Stag Do for Brighton Away.

[Foul Throw 3]

Roche 0 - 4 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers - Chris Westall, Jay Hussey, Josh Payn, Ryan Easterbrook 

Lineup: WestallM, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Rowe, Easterbrook, Blair, WestallC.

Subs: Larson, Payn, WhiteS, Burns, Bays.

An impotent performance from us yesterday with a real lack of cutting edge. A frustrating day did end up with 3pts and a clean sheet though which is a positive and the minimum we asked for on arrival to Roche.

We moved the ball with patience from the back throughout the first half, but couldn't progress beyond the midfield with lacking runners ahead or lacking ideas on it. With only WestallC having a positive game up top it's no surprise the only goal of the first half came from him. A good through ball by left back Hussey found the skipper through on goal inside the left hand channel and a sublime finish chipped over the goalkeeper for 1-0 around 10mins. At this point I/we expected the floodgates to open, and maybe that was our downfall. With the one goal cushion Pearce and White in particular were patient in possession to wait for openings into midfield or further up, but with little effect. The slick surface allowed the ball to move easily but we couldn't get it into the feet of the usually dangerous Easterbrook or Blair, nor did we create when we did with poor decision making or a lack of confidence. The only other significant chance for us in the first half was Easterbrook through on goal with a defender closing and time to get a shot away from 18yds, but hesitance and a failed chop allowed the defender to recover and the threat was cleared. WestallC also hit the post from a glancing header after a cross from out wide but it bounced away to safety. 

With us not adding to our tally, Roche grew in confidence and went into the half time break buoyant at only being a goal down and were unfortunate to not win a penalty after a set piece melee resulted in a pinball ricochet onto Rowe's arm before being cleared, but it wasn't given. Sometimes you make your own luck and I felt rather fortunate at the time. But hugely disappointed in the score line at the break and some things were addressed and two changes made. 

The 2nd half wasn't loads better with a reduced quality in service out wide and we didn't get the introduced Larson into the game or Payn on the ball out wide on either side. A break down the left did allow us to get our 2nd though. The ball broke to Hussey who put in a decent cross to 16yr old debutant Aidan Bark at the back post who got a shove in the back from the opposition full back. Imo an easy decision but not once you often see given. The Roche dugout on the opposite side strongly disagreed but a mirror image view of my angle so who knows. Hussey's spot kick was well saved by an early dive, but Hussey reacted quickly to stuck away the rebound and got a whack in the process. 

The 3rd didn't come along quickly either. An inswinging Hussey corner wasn't gathered by the home keeper and I'm unsure if it was an OG or Payn tap in. By his own standards not Hussey's greatest game but a fantasy football manager's dream yesterday. The 4th and final goal came very late on with only a minute remaining. Again a lack of ideas probably left to frustration, so from 30-35yds centre half Pearce hit a fierce low drive which was well saved in the slippery conditions, but the ball was spilled loose for WestallC to do something inexplicable and the ball made it's way for **** of the Day Easterbrook to fire in the easiest goal he'll get all season. 

On reflection, though the performance lacked much attacking threat, we were without a few key faces and entering September we've won 5 in a row and avoided any banana skins. Huge shining lights yesterday were the 4x 16yr olds involved with 2 starting debuts. Aidan Bark in particular impressed me with composure and confidence at right back.

Two week break now before the trip to St Teath vs Will Kitto's men. Another fine inbound for me and Robbins as we're away in Ireland for a wedding. At least the Guinness will be CL quality rather than yesterday's fizzy excuse.

[Luke Gibbons]

St Teath 0-5 Torpoint AFC

M.Westall | A.Bark, Z.Pearce, S.White, J.Hussey | C.Bartolini, C.Brown, W.Burns | E.Clarke, R.Warren, C.Westall

Subs Used: A.Blair, J.Carter, L.Gibbons

After last year I said I hoped it wouldn't be another 10 years before another visit to St Teath, I didn't think it'd come around so quickly...

Anyway, coming into the game off of 5 wins and St Teath struggling in the League it was a case of getting to know our own side whilst guarding against complacency.

The game started well, the movement of the ball in the opening 15 minutes was impressive. Chances were forged but not as many as I would've hoped, a headed effort over the bar from Westall and some good work from Brown set up Warren who was unable to turn home. Mid first half, we picked up 2 soft bookings after not learning from the standards set by the man in the middle. We lost our way over the next 20 minutes with an only chance falling to Clarke to head home inside the area. Limited chances for the hosts but a strong defensive performance kept them in the game. HT 0-1.

Second half we couldn't have got off to a worst start, a penalty given away after 50 minutes knew we'd be under pressure. Up stepped Westall to save well from the taker. This gave us the kick up the backside that we required. From the 65th minute through to the 85th saw us score 4 whilst creating a host of chances. Hussey at the heart of most. First Clarke got his second of the game poking past the keeper. Hussey's set piece found Pearce who headed home, Pearce should've had another shortly after but headed wide from 2 yards, probably a fine. Hussey then turned scorer with a slight deflection. Westall rounded off the scoring after being put through, great ball, stopping and turning the keeper he lofted him with his left.

MoM: Jay Hussey. A FPL dream if you had him as a triple captain.

Another win. Another clean sheet. As always, great to see Will Kitto and the familiar faces at St Teath. Their luck will change over the coming weeks and be back to their stubborn best.

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 5 - 1 North Petherwin

Torpoint goalscorers - Chris Westall x2, Jay Hussey (pen), Ryan Easterbrook, Sam White. 

Lineup: WestallM, Bark, Pearce, WhiteS, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Rowe, Easterbrook, WestallC, Ballo.

Subs: Burns, Northcott, Warren.

A pleasing 1/4 Final win against a side that previously beat us in August after an emphatic goalkeeping display. The man between the sticks was unavailable on the weekend and stand in Samways (I think?) didn't enjoy his afternoon. 

The opening goal came from the penalty spot 3 minutes in. From the centre circle the official had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. I didn't agree myself from similar distance in the dugout, and neither did a few Petherwin players. A brief discussion with the away linesman and the penalty stood for Hussey to dispatch with ease. Petherwin also had a player put in the bin for 10mins due to dissent during the incident. During this man advantage we extended our lead with an Easterbrook shot was parried out for WestallC to tuck home around 11mins. 

Petherwin's man re-entered the play but the flow didn't quite stop yet. The best team move of the game moved the ball down the right with young RB Aidan Bark receiving the cut back and unselfishly squared it to Easterbrook to calmly side foot home for 3-0 on 19mins. The momentum was with the home team and Easterbrook in particular was causing all sorts of problems down the left, with the visiting right back twisted in knots more than once. It was Easterbrook who probed the goal again with one drive flying over the bar and another equally matched by the keeper. The attitude and impetus began to wain though and the home side eased off or thought it was over too soon. Petherwin grew back into the game and a lovely left footed cross from the right hand side was met with a sublime finish inside the box to reduce the arrears around half an hour in. The remainder of the half was a frustrating watch as we couldn't match our opening 20mins.

HT was your usual cliche of whoever scores next has the momentum. The 5th goal of the came didn't come until late on, but we played a lot better than the closing stages of the first half which was pleasing. We moved the ball with a bit more patience but a few one on ones were hit at good heights for the away keeper from both Easterbrook and WestallC after being put through, the latter following a delicate Gazza vs Scotland '96 touch over the last defender. Would have been well worth the cheap entry fee for the happy shed. The 4th goal came following a set piece, which was half cleared to 20yds but WhiteS loves camping in that area and a Torpoint Tommy Toe punt ended up in the net. Imagine the keeper was unsighted but it continues Sam's run of only scoring from outside the box. The final goal of the game was another one on one after a Pearce ball over the top found WestallC who this time made no mistake and drove low into the corner to seal passage into the Cup Semi Final in hope we defend our title. We await the draw for the SF. 

Next week back to league action where we visit the vastly improved St Stephen side in our new alternative blue kit. May even give myself the nod as I enjoy St Stephen away.

[Foul Throw 3]

St Stephen 1 - 7 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers - Ryan Easterbrook x3,Chris Westall, Will Burns, Callum Bays, Josh Payn. 

Lineup: WestallM, Bark, Pearce, WhiteS, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Burns, Easterbrook, WestallC, Bays.

Subs: Rowe, Northcott, Murray, Payn.

A pleasing performance where we punished St Stephen with 7 good goals. Thankful the game was on after the week's awful downpours, the pitch was in good condition for the majority of the game. Soft underfoot but it didn't worsen too much over the 90mins and some good football could still be played.

The first goal came early on when Bays curled the ball down the right hand side to WestallC's forward run, whose low cross was met by Easterbrook to fire past the home keeper around 7mins. Our 2nd goal came from a Hussey corner with a strong header by WestallC going over the line and then being forced back in for good measure by Pearce. But Westall's goal as it was pretty clear it was way over before being cleared. The 3rd came around the half hour mark when the on fire Easterbrook carved himself time and space inside the box to drive low into the corner for his 2nd. The best goal of the game followed soon after when Burns found a fired up Bays on the left, who cut inside and played a driven defence splitter to put WestallC through one on one with the keeper. Easterbrook was in close proximity and followed in the run, with skipper WestallC unselfishly squaring once the keeper was stuck between the two, for the scorer to roll into an empty net for his hat trick and 17th of the season. From then on til HT we were poor and a few individual's dampened the really good spell we'd had. St Stephen had a 5-10min spell of their own during which they scored. The impressive no.10 hit a nice free kick over the midgets in the wall to test WestallM in goal, but he couldn't quite gather the curler and the loose ball was tucked away by the home side following in quicker than us. 4-1HT.

A very critical HT team talk, because despite playing really well for 35mins the last 10mins was frustrating on the ball and in our own attitude. In matches it's normal for both teams to have spells of pressure but I won't tolerate easing off the gas regardless of the scoreline or negative attitudes. That and a couple of tactical tweaks meant we restarted on the front foot again. 50mins played another good corner, this time from Robbins, was met at the back post by 16 yr old Will Burns to head in for his first goal for the 3rd team. And much deserved after another good performance from the youngster. The next goal was from another set piece, a wide free kick crossed in for a strong header from Pearce which was cleared off the line, only for Bays to put it back in from 8yds for his first 3rd team goal in what feels like an age. With all subs now on it didn't stem the flow too much but only one goal late on with Payn finishing well after being put through by WestallC for his 4th assist of the match. Another positive on the day was the return of Dom Murray after a few years away from football which is nice to see. 

Next week away again vs a strong St Columb side which I'm sure will be a tough battle.

[Foul Throw 3]

St Columb 3 - 2 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers - Chris Westall x2

Lineup: WestallM, Bark, Pearce, Eke, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Rowe, Easterbrook, WestallC, Bays.

Subs: Northcott, Ferguson, Carter.

 

A real tough test for us yesterday and nothing less than we expected. 

The biggest team I’ve faced in years, maybe since Edgcumbe or Lamerton of 10yrs ago. What were St Columb fed as children? Initial worry at that is obvious, we’re gonna lose a lot of duels and we certainly don’t want to concede too many set pieces. Can handle losing duels if we could pick up 2nd balls and outwork anything on the deck. We did that in spells, but so did St Columb. 

For the neutral I imagine it ticked a lot of boxes. A real good advert for the league when a lot of people say the quality has reduced in recent years. St Columb started the stronger and we had to stand firm for a decent spell of pressure. One of our usual threats in WestallC was for once thwarted by the giants Seery & no.15 at the back for the home side, who both had good games. We eventually showed a little more endeavour by releasing Easterbrook in behind a couple of times but the chances went begging. A sloppy pass in our own 1/3 was punished by St Columb as a cross from the right hand side was helped in by a Pearce misclearance which flew into the far post with WestallM rooted. A deserved lead on the balance. It didn’t kill us completely though, as the threat of Easterbrook again brought about a huge chance with a 1v1 saved by the brave block from the home stand in keeper. Easterbrook again had the next chance, rounding the keeper but unable to get the ball out of his feet, and with a number of defenders getting back the chance bypassed us. But now we were on top. With the aging FT3 off with a niggle on half hour, substitute Ferguson clipped a lovely ball into WestallC to brilliantly lob the bouncing ball over the keeper for 1-1 right before HT. 

With a couple of things addressed at the interval, we came out the stronger. Ferguson again being a menace, controlling a throw in from the left and turning inside a defender to find WestallC, who sent a Columb defender for a hot dog on the edge of the box before opening his body to slide the ball under the keeper for a 2-1 lead. In the ascendency, the next chance was ours again with Ferguson forcing a good stop from the keeper when through on goal. 

This didn’t deter the home side though and around the hour they punished us in a 5min spell. The equaliser a good cross from the right ruthlessly smashed in by Roberts’ left foot for his 100th goal for the club. The other was a Roberts in swinging corner headed in when we were unorganised and likely rattled from the equaliser. 3-2 to the home side. 

From this point it was pretty much end to end with wave after wave of both sides trying to get the next all important goal. It never came, but chances did come for both. A superb cross by Eke was headed wide in open play by the usually reliable forehead of Pearce at the back post. Seery was lucky to only see yellow as a Torpoint attacker skinned him on 20yds and was through on goal bought us a free kick when he was last man. The Robbins free kick well saved again by the home keeper at a good height for him. A few Hussey set pieces also threatened with no one gambling or quick enough to get on the end of them. But St Columb hung on and were buzzing to gift Foxhole some easy tweets in our direction. 

Still hurting today but that’s football. St Columb are solid and will beat most sides in the league. Toughest side we’ve faced this year and will be top 3 by May on that game. For us, it’s only our 2nd loss in 27, so context is needed. Maybe by next weekend we’ll recover to welcome St Minver to The Mill for another big test against our regular rivals. 

[LeeRicks9]

Great report. But didn’t see one tweet from foxhole regarding torpoint on our social media page ??? 

[bighairydave]

3 minutes ago, LeeRicks9 said:

Great report. But didn’t see one tweet from foxhole regarding torpoint on our social media page ??? 

 

[Byron10]

 All good banter, gotta be able to take it when it comes after giving it out most weeks😂 should of been out of sight in the first half but full credit to st col, play that pitch well and won’t lose many on it👍 

[LeeRicks9]

29 minutes ago, bighairydave said:

 

Only just seen this lol 😂😂😂

[Foul Throw 3]

1 hour ago, LeeRicks9 said:

Only just seen this lol 😂😂😂

Benno Bould fired a shot too. All in good jest Ricks. Well done on cup progression yesterday. 

[LeeRicks9]

Of course. No malice what so ever. We are lucky with the squad we have at the moment. But we are fully aware there is tough games coming up. Nice to see light hearted banter isn’t nothing more then that. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 3 - 1 St Minver

Torpoint goalscorers - Ferguson, Northcott, Stearnes. 

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Carter, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Rowe, Northcott, Easterbrook, Stearnes, Ferguson.

Subs: Burns, Rio Driver, WhiteJ. Unused: Bays.

Back to winning ways for us on Saturday after a brief hiccup last week. Just the7 missing this time but zero excuses and thankful for a big squad still with enough quality. Minver though in a similar position and I'm sure they travelled light. Hence their lower league position this season compared to their norm. That shouldn't take anything away from the result though as we thoroughly deserved to take 3pts on the day and played some very good football.

We almost broke the deadlock very early on as good wing play by Easterbrook unselfishly squared to Ferguson for a tap in, but either a bobble or complacency let the chance go begging with the ball delicately lofting into the grateful hands of Hurst who was already rooted. The next golden opportunity fell again to Ferguson who from 12yds was thwarted by a brave stop from Hurst to block to shot and keep the score at 0-0. It wasn't to last long though and Ferguson got his break. Easterbrook again causing trouble down the left hand side fired in a cross which smashed into the goal off Ferguson' ass! Was only a matter of time based on the opening spell and was soon 2-0. Good interlinking play down the right ended up with Stearnes inside the box to tee up Northcott 20yds out who hit a neat side foot into the corner to extend our deserved lead. In a comfortable position we relaxed on the ball a lot more but still lacked a bit of patience at times imo. We regularly had time on the ball at the back but lacked the patience to wait for the gaps and often rushed the play forwards which was thwarted by the travelling side with Ed Green in particular showing his usual quality. We did get a few set pieces from corners and free kicks but none came to anything meaningful. Jackson was called into action from a few corners which he made look easy, followed by a St Minver cross from the left which he gathered before getting smashed by the attacker. A slight worry but managed to carry on. The last action of the game should've been a penalty to the away side as Easterbrook was actually tracking back inside our own box and appeared to pull down the Minver player, but the man who counts didn't think it was enough. 2-0 HT.

Not the first time we've had a 2 goal cushion at HT and the age old cliche and I have to agree with it. It's enough to be complacent but not enough to deter a fightback. And the next goal of the game was St Minver's from a corner. Luckily for us it didn't knock us much as we'd discussed our energy levels and how we'd keep the tempo up with the 3 willing and able subs and a roll on/off to give people breaks to come back on and go again. Soon after Minver's goal we squashed the fightback by regaining the 2 goal lead. Easterbrook yet again found his way down the left to the byline and a smart cutback was met by a lovely finish on Stearnes' weaker foot across the goal low into the far corner and a deserved goal for him due to all his hard work and quality throughout the match. Soon after this we introduced 2 of our u18s Burns and Driver, the latter for his debut, and both were tireless in their efforts. Driver didn't stop running up front and gave no time and Burnsy his usual terrier like grit in the midfield covered ground and was good in possession too. At this point we had 4 of our club u18s on the pitch and all impressed, Brown in particular showing maturity beyond his years at the base of midfield. Bark did come off late in the game as a precaution as his **** burn was giving him grief. Two days has passed since so I can't recall anything else too eventful in the game other than one pinball moment where the ball didn't get stuck away after a Hurst save from the first effort, a Minver defender blocked on the line for the follow up and the ball was eventually cleared to stop us getting our 4th. FT 3-1. An easy game to manage for the man in the middle on Saturday and as usual dealt with everything with little fuss. Only one booking late in the game from a tired challenge. It was a booking for me but no malice in it and never have any issues with St Minver as they're a good bunch. Good luck to them for the remainder of their season and hopefully get some numbers back.

With North Petherwin vs Foxhole suspiciously postponed it puts us back on top of the table having played more games. But regardless it's pleasing as you'd always take the points than having games in hand. Hopefully the forecast isn't as bad as predicted this week where we're hoping to travel to Nanpean. The first time visiting for the club in years since they were in the old ECPL with our 2nd team. A nice pitch but probably susceptible in this weather? Fingers crossed it's on. 

 

[Foul Throw 3]

Wadebridge 0 - 4 Torpoint ATh

Torpoint goalscorers - Clarke, WhiteJ, Easterbrook, Ferguson. 

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Northcott, Easterbrook, Ferguson, Clarke.

Subs: WestallC, Burns, Rowe, Bartolini, Bays.

A whopping 10 weeks without a game for us and it was evident in our rusty play. During that period we frustratingly had 4 postponements in total. With Wadebridge somehow having played 3 games already this month, there was a slight advantage in terms of match fitness and sharpness, but it made little difference.

We came out the blocks quite quickly, and a Robbins corner was only half cleared and WhiteJ did excellently to win the ball back and feed back out wide to Robbins who crossed for Easterbrook to flick on towards Ed Clarke to score his 7th of the season. A welcome comeback for the 16yr old after breaking his ankle in the first weekend of October. But unfortunately it was short lived as the same ankle was causing some issues and he hobbled off after 12mins. 

The next 30mins saw no goals, with the rustiness evident and a bobbly surface in places causing a few mistakes. Ferguson looked dangerous all half though and a one on one from the right hand side saw him drive into the box for the goalkeeper to save. Hussey and Robbins both had well placed free kicks go amiss, with the latter only whiskers away of the keeper's right hand post. On 42mins another corner was the root of Wadebridge's demise. This time from Hussey on the other side went all the way through the 6yd box for WhiteJ ghosting in at the back post. Minutes later we added our 3rd. Will Burns won an excellent tackle in midfield which broke to WestallC up front, who laid through a well weighted pass to Ferguson, again driving into the box at speed, unselfishly squaring to Easterbrook for the easier finish right before half time.

Our 4th goal around 53mins was probably the best team goal I've seen us score all season. Starting with Bark in our own third, he worked the ball to WestallC while carrying on his run, Brown lofted the ball into both Bark and Ferguson's path who drove into the box. A low pass into the box by Bark to Easterbrook was turned around the corner for Ferguson to side foot into the net. A great goal to watch and a deserved goal for Ferguson for his threat throughout. 

Very little happened from then on to my memory, I do recall us not having enough efforts or impetus. WestallC did get slid in whose low shot was well saved. Very late in the game, Wadebridge were handed a sympathy penalty following 2 corners. The first was cleared and out for a second delivery. Between the two, a home player asked the ref to keep on eye on me for pushing. Corner comes in, our keeper is fouled but does well to punch clear and it ends up out for a goal kick. All players start to get back upfield into shape. No appeals. The referee has pointed to the spot for a push so both teams assumed it was on our keeper which was clearly spotted based on the body language. But no. Wadebridge use Veo and watching it back I am still confused, as were players from both teams. But fortunately for us, the home taker dragged his spot kick wide to keep Jackson's clean sheet in tact.

Onto next week where we hope St Dennis can recover their numbers to travel to us for the first time in years.

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 5 - 0 St Dennis Reserves

Torpoint goalscorers - Bartolini, Easterbrook, Hussey, WestallM x2. 

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Bartolini, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Northcott, Easterbrook, Ferguson, Rio Driver.

Subs: WestallM, Rowe, Warren, Cotter, Halls.

A really good game and I was pleased with how we played. The score line flattered our visitors and some good saves and a ton of missed chances could've seen the score line 10+. After last week's rustiness and the bobbly pitch yesterday, it was a much improved performance after our 10 week "break."

It took us an age to actually break the deadlock, with Bartolini ghosting in at the back post from a sweet Northcott corner in the 43rd min. It was only a matter of time though and we went into the HT break 1-0 up but disappointed it wasn't more. St Dennis defended for their lives throughout the half and a number of good saves from the visiting goalkeeper and last ditch blocks from the back four kept us at bay until right before half time. The pitch didn't help our play in the opening period but we grew confidence and the midfield 3 in particular really impressed with their link up. Easterbrook looked dangerous as always but was thwarted and any chance Ferguson had he was too unselfish and didn't pull the trigger. A first start up front for 16yr old Myles Rio Driver for the 3rd team was also a huge positive as he played with maturity and linked up well throughout. A few free kicks in dangerous areas were close with no cigar and a number of other set pieces were not capitalised on.

It wasn't all one way traffic though as St Dennis had two key opportunities to score themselves and could've been in the lead from either. Ryan Oxley cut inside our centre half on the left hand side of the box and let go of a curling effort which smashed back off the cross bar. The other effort was a lapse in concentration in defence coupled with a nasty bobble and the forward nipped in and unleashed a good effort at goal but Jackson made a superb save! 

The 2nd half was much of the same but with the added cherry on top resulting in the goals we deserved. The 2nd goal came around the 58th min when the sharp skill of Northcott left a StD defender stuck in the mud and his low ball was finished off by top scorer Easterbrook. Our 3rd was unselfish play from Easterbrook who after a defensive mix up the keeper was in no man's land so Easterbrook and the born again striker WestallM drove at the last defender, with the latter sidefooting into the open goal after being slid in by Ryan. The 4th goal was disgusting and the ego of Hussey took an inswinging corner with his weaker foot for it to evade everyone and end up inside the far post for his 5th goal of the season for the left back. Torpoint's Leighton Baines! The 5th goal was the best finish of the game with WestallM smashing the ball in off the post when he found a yard of space inside the box leaving the keeper no chance after good work by Easterbrook on the left.

Other highlights for me include the return of Ryan Warren after a nasty break for our u18s back in late October, another returnee was Matty Cotter, but the biggest of the day was a men's football debut for Boyd Halls after impressing for the u16s and in training over winter. He's going to be a top player given time.

Thanks to St Dennis and Grosey for making it a good game and I hope they can improve on their fortunes now we've played them. Their comments about the after match food was also gratefully received thank you. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 5 - 2 Newquay Academy

Torpoint goalscorers - Easterbrook x3, Cotter, Driver. 

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Bartolini, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Cotter, Northcott, Easterbrook, Ferguson, Rio Driver.

Subs: Burns, Clarke, Rowe, Warren, Halls.

Finally a return to The Mill after what felt like an age! But we didn't exactly entertain the home support in the opening period. Until our opening goal around 20mins I thought we were poor. Newquay were compact and difficult to break down and we showed no patience or composure. Every pass was forced, long or inaccurate and it was frustrating to watch. Eventually we improved and chances begun to come, with Easterbrook pouncing on a loose ball in the box to fire us in front. 8 minutes later it was Easterbrook again who struck home from 18yards after a well weighted set back from Pearce. At this point though Newquay did not give up and I imagine we became complacent and expected the floodgates to open. We did rattle the cross bar 3 times in the first half so were very close to it being true. Bartolini was first to a low corner from Hussey which bounced back off the bar to safety, Easterbrook smashed the bar from all of 30 yards and Northcott also chipped the paintwork from 25 yards, an effort I've encouraged from him recently. But it wasn't to be. Newquay again sitting deep won the ball in midfield and Nathan White skipped through 3 missed tackles running half the length of the pitch to slot past Jackson from 18 yards. Minutes later they equalised. A throw in high in our corner wasn't dealt with and the ball sat nicely for Johnny Coleman to fire an unstoppable effort in from 30 yards. The best goal I've seen scored against us in a long time. Defensively it was so bad but Johnny can dine out on that one for quite some time! 2-2 HT.

Despite the woodwork still shaking at HT, so was I! I wasn't happy whatsoever at losing a 2 goal lead and our general play. But luckily the message must've sunk in because we came out for the 2nd half firing with 3 goals between 50th and 55th minute. The first came from another good shot from Northcott which was well saved and pushed wide, Ferguson picked up the ball and unselfishly squared to Myles Rio Driver to lash home the ball for his first goal for the 3rd team. Our 4th came from a flicked on Hussey corner which found Cotter free at the back post to poke home. Our 5th and Easterbrook's 3rd came from our road runner full back Bark putting in a decent cross to Easterbrook at the back post to seal his hat trick. This pretty much killed a 2nd comeback and we made lots of changes after the hour. This probably stopped our rhythm a little bit but everyone deserved to play. Rowe almost added a 6th with a well struck daisy cutter well saved by the visiting keeper and Brown and Burns also had threatening efforts saved or blocked.

Overall I'm wary we weren't at our best for 2 spells in the first half but the 5min goal scoring spree at the start of the 2nd shows how potent we can be. And I was impressed with how we reacted to our own issues. Another important 3 points on the board with Foxhole not playing and other rivals dropping points on the day. Just the 8 under 18s in the squad yesterday and probably the youngest squad we've had in 10 years, with 2 of our experienced lads playing 90mins for the 2nd team. The future is bright!

[Foul Throw 3]

St Minver 3 - 0 Torpoint Ath

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Cotter, Northcott, Easterbrook, Ferguson, Rio Driver.

Subs: Burns, Clarke, Rowe, Halls.

A frustratingly bad day at the office. A deserved loss but 3-0 maybe a bit heavy on the balance, IMO.

A few senior figures light admittedly, the quality and numbers we had should've been enough, but we weren't at the races. Minver themselves were without Ed Green, assumedly injured as he was there watching, and no Callum Wilson either. Luckily they had Wadebridge's Matt Lloyd leading the line. No qualms there.

A quiet warm up followed by a poor opening spell. Two throw ins weren't dealt with followed by a defensive mix up allowed a Minver forward to get a gift of a goal and smashed the ball past Jackson. 1-0 down 10mins in. Luckily we didn't crumble, but we didn't really ease into the game either. Both sides struggled on a bobbly surface to put more than 2-3 passes together which resulted in loose/poor touches throughout or a lack of patience through fear of errors. This should have been where Minver had an advantage as Lloyd lead the line very well and a number of his flick ons were a huge threat if he had runners nearby. Pearce and White did well to win a few headers but you can't win them all against his quality. Minver should've increased their lead but a Lloyd effort from 12yds flew past Jackson in goal but White had read the danger and was excellently positioned to clear off the line to Lloyd's annoyance. Eventually we carved some chances ourselves which we let go begging. A superb cross from the left by Northcott found both Ferguson and Bark, with the latter not getting a clean connection to direct at goal and subsequently change the flight of the ball too much for Bark right behind him. Crosses from wide seemed our best threat but this time from the right with a lofted cross from Bark just out of reach of Hurst in goal but also Easterbrook rushing in at the back post. Another chance whiskers away. 1-0 HT that could've been 2-0, 1-1 or 1-2 but big chances missed.

Second half was just as frustrating. Throughout the whole game having had an early lead the home side did well to eat up or waste time, and we had no solutions to get back into the game. The biggest chance of the half was smashed towards goal by Burns from 16yds and I genuinely gasped thinking we'd equalised but a superb block by a home defender smashed the ball clear to safety. The longer the game wore on we took more risks positionally and leaving players forward, which I have no concerns with. Rather lose 2-0 believing we can get an equaliser than not try at all. That's pretty much what happened. Around 80mins, with us down to 10 men with an outrageous sin bin, Lloyd broke through for his 2nd big chance of the game, and buried it. Huge celebrations from the home side who had dug in and it squashed us/me. With a little hope left we did continue to push to no avail, and to rub salt in our wounds a 3rd was buried around 90mins.

As a loss always is when they're so rare, yesterday hurt and it still does. Sometimes a wake up call is good but this one isn't well timed with Foxhole firing on all cylinders so far this season. You have to go back to November '21 to accumulate 5 Torpoint losses with 29 wins from 34. That stat alone is enough to give me hope we will bounce back as well as dampen the jealousy from various haters. We're in a bit of a transition if I reflect on it, but we'll get through it and relish the challenge before us. 7 games coming up in March so plenty of opportunity to get our spark back. Onto next week, another big challenge against fellow challengers North Petherwin. 

 

[Foul Throw 3]

North Petherwin 2 - 2 Torpoint Ath

Lineup: WestallM, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Rowe, Burns, Northcott, Easterbrook, Warren, Rio Driver.

Subs: Cotter, Eversfield, Brown, Halls. Unused: Quintrell.

A superb result today...for Foxhole! Despite sitting 2nd the bookies probably won't give a punter much money back for them given the league table after FT today.

But 1st vs 3rd prior to kick off today was a good advert for the league IMO. After last week's out of character kick in the teeth, we were far better at the basics. We started strongly and a foul on Easterbrook early on resulted in a disputed penalty which Hussey despatched for 1-0 around 10mins in. We remained on top for a while but few clear cut chances were created. North Peth weren't squashed and their best chance of the half was blocked by their own player as inside the box a goal bound smash hit the lad in front of him on the floor that was probably destined for 1-1. Lots of set pieces for both sides, with some being fouls and some for whinging (appealing), but was telling that sooner or later one would pay off at either end. Luckily it was for us late in the half. A great corner from Hussey was met at the back post with a superb header by the angry pocket rocket Will Burns for his 2nd headed goal of the season. He's good in the air for a hobbit! HT 0-2.

HT was a positive feeling but we had to produce the same application and energy which was serving us well. Shooting up the slight slope for the 2nd half I had a feeling it wouldn't be easy, and it never is there. Eventually they pulled one back after a low ball into the box found a man in space who found the net. We didn't create enough in the 2nd half to put the game to bed and the best breaks we did had were thwarted by two clever "tactical" fouls on halfway, one on Northcott which killed him and another on Easterbrook, who got sin binned for appealing for the free kick he won. Strange. As the game wore on, North Peth pushed and pushed. With 3mins remaining on my watch the ref said there was 13 and I had a feeling that would be too much. A home free kick 25yds out was smashed towards goal and the ball ricocheted about a bit before a home player smashed the ball in for the equaliser. With a few mins remaining still I was a little nervous we'd drop more points but it petered out. Though an audacious lob effort from Easterbrook from a long way out did get my hopes up briefly as the keeper was in a weird position but it sailed off target. 

2-2 FT probably a fair result as neither side deserved to lose, but I was pleased with the improvement from last week. A couple days off before a midweek fixture at home on Tuesday vs Nanpean. Prize of the day was for the two biggest whiners of the game being Torpoint's No.3 and North Peth's big lad in the middle, No. 7 or 10 I've forgotten. 

One point I'd like to add is the improvements made to the ground. I think my last visit was the 19/20 season pre pandemic and there's now new dugouts on the road side of the pitch, a 2nd pitch alongside the main pitch which used to be the parallel sheep field, an improved barrier, new lavs and with a new club house in the planning it might quieten a few forum doubters of their promotion ambitions to Step 7. Along with their newer players I can now see why they're moving in the right direction. Hopefully we still finish above them this season! 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 1 - 4 Nanpean

Torpoint goalscorer: Ryan Easterbrook

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Rowe, Burns, Northcott, Easterbrook, Warren, Rio Driver.

Subs: Brown, Cotter, Bartolini, Halls, Paine. 

This is probably going to be a tough report to write. It's easy to sing when you're winning, but it's poor form to not do one when we lose and not give our forum readers some context, as well as credit to the victors. I always find writing my reports too soon after would read differently if I let some time to pass and settle, but here goes.

We were awful! Worst we've played in a long time as a team. Maybe Altarnun away in late '21, or back even further the St Minver 7-1 thrashing of 2015. But I will give some credit to our visitors too.

We started off quite brightly, moved the ball about well and I thought we were on it. Much like Saturday's game at North Peth the minimum ask was maximum effort and some quality where we could. And we did, initially. We opened the scoring around 19mins when my poor eyesight couldn't tell how he'd done it, but Ryan Warren bamboozled his way past his full back and a great low pass to the back post gave Easterbrook a 1 yard finish to take him to 23 goals for the season and leapfrog Bouldy. Ideal, let's kick on from here. But Nanpean weren't deterred and eventually took a hold of the game. An injury to Northcott forced him off around half an hour in due to a knee injury he couldn't shake off from Saturday. It was around this time that Nanpean equalised. Nanpean worked their %s well from 25-30mins on and Jaffa Rowe was quite relentless, there was no "stepping down" on his part and he worked tirelessly throughout. Too many times he found himself in 1 on 1 situations with both of our centre halves and carved shooting opportunities for himself or team mates or forced corners. The equaliser came from a nice left foot finish from a Nanpean player I don't know the name of but a nice strike from 16yds or so. 1-1 HT.

Not the worst half by any means but Nanpean had had the better of it and finished well on top. We needed to regain some momentum, be a little more patient and composed but we did none of that. Nanpean sat in, didn't really over press and leave gaps in behind and showed patience out of possession. By doing this they invited us to give them the ball back and that we did. In the 2nd half this happened time and time again and was ultimately our downfall and my biggest disappointment from the game. If I tried to count how many times we gave the ball back to them needlessly with aimless long balls or poor quality my Lynx clicker would've burnt out. Nanpean didn't even need to try and get the ball back as we just gave it to them. This resulted in lots of counters and in the end the inevitable happened for Jaffa Rowe to get them in front with most of the goal to aim at when well placed to the left hand side of the goal. Their celebrations was the most they had to run in the half as they piled on in the corner. Heads were down and the ball either wouldn't stick in forward areas or we lost it. No belief. The 3rd came around 80mins or so after I'd rightly or wrongly changed shape, and 3-1 was an uphill task and all hope was gone on the pitch. The shining light from this was the introduction of Boyd Halls again and debutant Harvey Paine, both from our u16s who have done well in training in recent months. Nanpean by this point were content and a few of our players with the pressure off result wise moved the ball about a little better, Halls and Brown in particular, but it was too late. To rub salt in the wounds even further, Geach scored a fluke from the halfway line. A tackle/clearance on the left touchline went high into the sky and Jackson in goal either lost it in the dark of the night or blinded by an eclipse from the floodlights but he completely lost it and the ball came down with snow on it and into the net to surprise, rapture and deflation all round. When the tide is against you I guess these things happen. Not Jackson's fault and a complete fluke which didn't change the result either way.

Credit to Nanpean who showed the experience we don't have at the moment and worked hard when needed. Jaffa was good which you'd expect and in the 2nd half Trudgeon was also lively and looked dangerous. The bar take will have appreciated them staying after us on what was a quiet, cold night with a low attendance, thankfully. Another tough one to take with only 1 point gained from 3 difficult fixtures. Not the form we want to take into an even tougher battle ahead for our next 2 fixtures against St Columb in the league and cup semi final! 

 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Ath 1 - 2 St Columb Major 

Torpoint goalscorer: Myles Rio Driver

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Robbins, Burns, Payn, Easterbrook, Rio Driver, Cullerton.

Subs: Brown, Bartolini, Rowe, Warren.

A wet 24hrs up until the game and the pitch was in excellent, slick condition for a game of football. I did think the game could be in doubt but the forecast wasn't as bad as first feared and the pitch didn't hold too much water at all, which allowed for a good game.

We started brighter and contrary to recent fixtures we moved the ball with patience and to feet which allowed us to build confidence quickly. A few balls into the front three early on looked threatening and a few scares to StC buoyed us to take the lead 9mins in. A quality ball down the left hand side into Cullerton fed Easterbrook further out wide and his low pass into Driver in the box was finished well. From there it was really positive and the back four and the Burns/Robbins midfield moved the ball well in deeper areas. Both of them had superb carbon copy passes into Easterbrook and Cullerton down the left hand channel which created good opportunities to attack but we couldn't quite get the final pass or shot off. Maybe we were trying too hard to get the perfect goal.  As the half wore on we continued to move the ball well, but St Columb sat in well and for the most part defended well and stayed in shape. They weren't completely thwarted and had chances of their own. Craig Allen as always was a threat and on two occasions we did well to snuff him out at the last min as danced through a few challenges to the edge of the box before being squeezed out and the 2nd time skipped the 1st tackled but a last ditch block by Pearce stopped his shot from 12yards. These counters did cause us issues and St Columb set pieces were a worry with them being a far bigger side. Luckily we did enough defensively to stop Tom Howes' threat and Jackson in goal came and caught a few to stem the flow. We had set pieces of our own which were also a threat but again the final piece of the puzzle was missing. Efforts on goal from both Hussey and Robbins evaded the wall but were comfortably saved by the visiting keeper in slippery conditions. Easterbrook had opportunities to shoot but was blocked or saved, and the score remained 1-0 until HT.

With StC only having one named sub I hoped we'd outplay them and they'd begin to tire. But they weren't deterred and their experience showed and not longer after the restart Tom Ball capitalised on what should have been dealt with and equalised. Around 60mins a heavy/loose touch by Bark in their half created a race to the ball between him and Tom Howes and the young full back as ever was quickest to the ball and Howes clattered into him leaving the youngster in pain and shaken. Yellow card and was dealt with well by the referee. An initial worry and Roberts showed some class in his sincere interaction. Bark limped on and in hindsight I should have taken him off right away, but he wanted to jog it off. A minute or two later Bark was the last defender to deal with a high bouncing ball for a simple header back to Jackson which wasn't dealt with and Craig Allen sniffed out the indecision, stole the ball and took the lead for the visitors. A lesson learnt for both myself and Aidy. 

Still with half an hour left we didn't give up doing the right things but with 3 points to cling onto StC were even more motivated to keep us at bay. I think they were far less of a threat in the 2nd half compared to the 1st but their 2 goals was eventually enough for a big 3 points. I lost count how many low crosses from Easterbrook on the left avoided everyone inside 12 yards and any Gold shirt on the end of one would've had to end in an equaliser, but we couldn't quite get on the end of one. Driver had another chance to add to his earlier goal but was forced wide and his low shot was saved. Pearce had two headers from corners but not quite clean enough to really threaten. The one set piece we did manage to get on target was caught by the man on the back post and cleared. One of those where his body language and our reaction was telling but a referee can't give what he didn't see. The best chance to finally get a deserved equaliser was a great diagonal ball inside the left back to Ryan Warren who took a superb first touch but then rushed it. Had an age to take another touch out of his feet and better his angle at goal but his low effort on goal was too central and an easy save. One of those days. We still had loads of time as it only takes seconds to score a goal but eventually I could sense a decreasing belief and that it wasn't going to be our day as we lost discipline with 2 silly bookings and started to rush our play and made it easier for the visitors as the game wore on and eventually petered out. 1-2 FT.

1 point from 4 games is less than ideal, but each game has been different. Outworked for one, lacked grit and know how for another, composure and quality for the 3rd but yesterday was just that cutting edge of the hardest thing to do in the game and that's stick the ball in the back of the net. A cruel cruel sport and the lows are certainly outweighing the effort required to set the team up every game at the minute. If we play that game yesterday 10 times we probably win 8 or 9 of them I think but when the tide's against you you just don't get the rub of the green. By my/our standards the league table now looks very poor but with the Semi Final next week it could still be a successful season but now more is riding on that one off game. We are very close but no cigar, yet. 

Credit to Casey and St Columb who had the experience and calmness we lacked and were on their best behaviour throughout. I think there were 4 or 5 fully justified yellow cards and the referee Simon Mann was really good. Not often both sides praise a referee is it, which speaks volumes. Onto the week ahead where hopefully an enjoyable training session and the big one away at St Columb for the SF. 

 

[Foul Throw 3]

League Cup Semi Final

St Columb Major 1 - 2 Torpoint Ath

Torpoint goalscorers: Josh Payn, Will Burns

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Burns, Robbins, Rowe, Brown, Payn, Easterbrook, Rio Driver.

Subs: Cotter, Warren. Unused: Bays, Hussey.

Relief really. On a 4 game winless streak in the league we headed into yesterday's battle not as low on confidence as you'd think. Last week's loss against the same side taught us a few lessons which will be invaluable for the futures of our young side. And we did enough last week to win most games of football which buoyed us yesterday, though it was StC who will be left feeling unrewarded for their efforts.

A bright sunny afternoon, despite the opposite weather for a few days prior, left the pitch soggy in places and untreated which is the norm at all levels with the weather we've had, which made for a tricky game. But we started the brighter and scored with the first chance of the game. Only 3mins in a low pass into Rio Driver whose first touch brought him back infield drew out a defender, a very slick piece of technique moved himself and the ball past the evading tackle and then reversed a pass into Payn's diagonal run into the box who finished low under the onrushing keeper. 0-1.

But the lead didn't last for long as minutes later the home side equalised. A very high line allowed Laithwaite acres to run in behind and drive forward hitting a strong effort at goal. Jackson got hands to it but wasn't enough to divert the ball enough and it went in. I think Laithwaite was miles offside, but this lino error was matched when in another StC attack Craig Allen skipped past Jake White and drove at goal from the left hand side but was wrongly flagged offside. 2 mistakes from a young substitute with the flag which balanced out. No need for any of the negativity in his direction from either side.

The level score didn't last long either. A corner from Robbins on the left hand side on 12mins was swung inside the back post and with 3 StC defenders favourites to clear, Burns was bravest and won the header for 2-1. Another set piece goal for the angry teen. A side note on his performance yesterday, filling in at left back for the injured Hussey I thought he was excellent. The right level of aggression, loves to head and tackle and is a real throwback. An easy player to select every week. 

From then on there were no more goals for 80+minutes. The next best chance of the half for us was a great pass into Rio Driver who smartly stalled his momentum, which created a gap between the defender's legs and his low shot was just wide. But great forward play to create the shot and was unlucky. Another young player who is improving all the time with each game. StC should've had an equaliser with a great chance themselves. Craig Allen a frustrated figure yesterday raced through on goal, took an age to make up his mind and I think the long grass at that end disrupted his flow too much and couldn't dig out a meaningful effort which was straight at the grateful Jackson. Bit of an end to end half gave us a 1-2 HT lead.

The 2nd half was all StC. We had a 1 goal lead last week which we fumbled so HT was about what we could improve on, but most importantly to dig in and not let it happen again. StC on the the other hand would've thought we could be got at. Straight out the blocks at the restart, Tom Howes drove out of defence, made a lovely 1-2 in midfield and from 18yards let fly a rasping left foot drive to Jackson's left which he just about got his fingertips to to divert for a corner. Early wake up call. I think this was their best chance all half, but the pressure itself was all from them and we did well to limit what I'd consider to be good scoring chances. Their biggest threat time and again was set pieces of which they had plenty. Jackson was strong in claiming some, picked up a couple of pressure relieving fouls, and the likes of Pearce, White and co did well to defend our lead. StC did have an equaliser but referee Gary Cornish disallowed it without hesitation for a foul by the scorer Howes. We literally created nothing going forward which was a worry but we looked resolute. Brown in midfield was winning tackles and the ball fell to him fortuitously from these duels which helped him break up play. With only 2 fit subs we did roll on/off to give fresh legs and deserved breathers. Rowe in particular was blowing out of his *** from overworking and his 10min rest allowed him to rejuvenate and and was excellent when he re-entered. Payn, Easterbrook, Warren and Rio Driver fed on scraps all half but as a team we dug in and held out to progress to the Cup Final.

A flip reversal of last week's game where we were the dominant losers, StC will feel hard done by yesterday but I said the same last week, football is often cruel. But it quite often balances out! Funny old game ain't it. A word for no nonsense referee Cornish, dealt with all our moaners and whiners well and as usual had a smile on his face. Always good to see.

Good luck to St Columb Major for the rest of their season and I dread seeing you again! 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 3 - 1 Wadebridge Res 

Torpoint goalscorers: Ryan Easterbrook x2, Byron Robbins.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Murray, Pearce, Burns, Cotter, Rowe, Brown, Easterbrook, Rio Driver, Cullerton.

Subs: Robbins, WhiteJ, Warren, Simmons, Halls.

A tricky night under the lights where we were initially quick out of the blocks, fell into a disappointing period but much improved in the 2nd half. 

Quite a good start from KO and moved the ball into some dangerous areas. On 8mins a superb through ball by Rowe found Easterbrook in behind whose first touch was perfectly into his stride to advance towards the box 1v1 with the keeper, but a chasing defender brought him down inside the box for an easy decision, penalty. Oddly no card shown. No malice in the tackle but a definite yellow for me. With our usual penalty takers off the pitch, Ryan stepped up himself and his effort was well read and saved by the impressive visiting keeper Jeal. Missed opportunity for an early lead. 

From then on quite frankly, we were poor. Defensively ok, squashed all attacks but in possession we lacked any quality all over the pitch. Forwards lacked decent service and when they did see the ball it didn't stick and came right back. Back four kept giving it away or making wrong decisions of when/where to move the ball and midfield was much of the same. On 25mins a routine back pass when under pressure from left back to keeper Jackson was mis controlled inside the 6yd box and ended up inside the back post with Harry scrambling to no avail for an avoidable OG. For the whole of the first half that was the only effort on goal against us so to concede it was both embarrassing and frustrating, but it happens. Get over it. But with a missed pen and OG already against us inside half an hour, it felt like other recent games where the world was against us and not something I stand for at the moment as you make your own luck. On 30mins I'd seen enough and with the only big voice on the pitch being our goalkeeper and no one making enough inroads to steering us in a more positive direction I made two rare early changes, with Robbins and WhiteJ on to inject some quality but most importantly leadership. Almost instant impact and the demands were reset all over. We moved the ball better bit by bit and chances began to come. Easterbrook had a fierce drive saved by Jeal and set pieces were a thorn in the away side with some good Robbins deliveries. A strong Murray header went close and the resultant pinball was somehow kept out. 0-1 HT but signs of promise.

HT wasn't exactly a positive event, but a pull your fingers out and it will come but not without some cajones. Thankfully, it was a much improved performance and a cliched game of two halves unfolded. Throughout the 2nd half Jackson only had one effort on target to keep out and in possession we were far more assured and confidence grew throughout. On 55mins Easterbrook was put through again, and fouled again. This time with a pull from behind and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. Robbins took our 2nd of the night and confidently fired it into the bottom corner. Keeper Jeal went the right way but there was too much power and accuracy in the spot kick. 1-1. 

5mins later and we had the lead. A huge punt downfield was deliberately aimed into Easterbrook's path and he advanced on goal and stuck it away. Big fantasy points for an assisting goalkeeper! 2-1 and in the ascendency. Before play continued we introduced the hard working Warren and the Torpoint Rolls Royce Rory Simmons who is simply a pleasure. Now in the lead you could feel the change in momentum, relief, confidence, etc etc and we were good to watch. More chances came and a strong effort from distance by Easterbrook smashed the post. Set pieces continued to threaten but no reward. Pearce was reintroduced as a striker (sick) but it paid off quite quickly. One of his first involvements, fed the ball into feet, a brief hold and lay off resulted in the 2nd forward pass neatly playing in gung ho full back Bark clean through on the right hand side. The lad ain't slow and had time and space to reach the byline and pick the correct square ball, and neatly teed up Easterbrook from 8yards who kept his finish low for 3-1. Before the restart we introduced Boyd Halls for his 6th sub appearance and by far the smallest player on the pitch showed his quality and continues to impress me despite his age. He's not going to get a nicer introduction to a 3rd team midfield than wedged between Robbins and Simmons. We continued to move the ball well and Easterbrook continued to be a threat hitting the post and a 1v1 superbly saved by the feet of Jeal. Late in the game Halls himself got himself on the left hand byline 1v1 with a defender and somehow bounced through the challenge and struck a powerful effort towards the top corner but it was whiskers away. Would've been talk of the playground today! Gutted for him as he and everyone else thought/hoped it would have gone in for him. 3-1 FT.

Another lesson in football to add to our recent diaries. First 30mins I'd like to erase from my memory but we simply must learn from these moments if we're to improve and pick up more results. But at least we reacted and improved quickly as it's not like flicking a switch. No disrespect to last night's visitors but we have a far bigger test coming up on Saturday vs St Newlyn East who sit in 2nd place. Looking forward to it though as outside the "big clubs" it's hands down the best pitch in the league! And finally a welcome return to the squad for WhiteS back from his shivery travels. Two comments on Wadebridge. Firstly, thank you to the linesman who was very honest and probably got a couple wrong in our favour which is unusual, and afterwards swept the away changing rooms too, much appreciated for both. And secondly the keeper Jeal. We didn't pepper him throughout the game but when called upon he made some top saves and according to Full Time rightly has man of the match by his manager. Probably an easy game to referee as there were no dirty tackles or backchat but a typical no nonsense approach by Alan. 

Good luck Wadebridge for the rest of their season.

[Foul Throw 3]

St Newlyn East 1 - 1 Torpoint Athletic 

Torpoint goalscorer: Ryan Warren.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Burns, Cotter, Rowe, Brown, Easterbrook, Warren, Hicks.

Subs: Hussey, Northcott, Bartolini, WhiteS. Unused: Rio Driver.

Torrential rain on the drive along the A30 made me think we might be wasting the journey, but once we arrived the rain stopped and some sun appeared. Luckily for us SNE is probably the best pitch in the league outside The Mill and Blaise Park. Hopefully not too much repair work needed after the game.

Quite an uneventful first half really. The defence of both sides was predominantly on top, with SNE's midfield winning that battle. A few set pieces for both sides caused some difficulty but no one could break the deadlock. Very late in the half we finally created a good chance with Hicks playing a perfect pass into Easterbrook's run, whose low left footed effort came back off the post for Ryan Warren to control the rebound and put away around 43mins. A just reward for his improving form and fitness after breaking his foot back in October for our u18s.

HT was pretty much a criticism of our quality and appetite. We weren't winning many of the midfield battles with SNE winning the majority of 2nd balls. And our quality into the front 3 was lacking. That did improve a little in the 2nd half. Early on after the restart the dangerous Easterbrook was fouled inside the box, and Hussey put the penalty away only for the referee to order a retake due to encroachment. The retake was put in the same spot but Prentice in goal made a strong save to keep the score at 0-1. 

Another set piece was the next threat, with Zak Pearce volleying whiskers wide when at full stretch. Next Easterbrook was again the catalyst and won his 4th penalty in 2 games. But again Prentice made a fine save. 3 penalty misses in 2 games and Saturday's 2 killed us as being 2 or 3-0 up would've given us a nice cushion as we have been defending pretty well lately.

This spurred SNE on and around 75mins Daniel Ball scored from at least 25yards, smashing in an unstoppable effort and leaving Jackson no chance. A frustrating one as he'd had acres to drive into and far too much time and space to line it up. This wasn't SNE's only decent effort of the half and 2-3 times Jackson was forced into some good saves, one in particularly a strong parry over the bar from a fierce effort.

1-1 FT. A few weeks ago I would've taken a draw at SNE as they're a decent side and can see why they're in the upper part of the league. Having missed 2 penalties at 1-0 up it does feel like 2 points dropped but no need to beat ourselves up as it's a good point in tricky conditions. Onto tomorrow night where we host Roche at The Mill weather permitting.

[Foul Throw 3]

Looe Town 1 - 5 Torpoint Athletic 

Torpoint goalscorers: Hird x3, Hicks, Paine.

Lineup: Pacey, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, WhiteS, Bartolini, Brown, Hird, Warren, Hicks.

Subs: Ross, Rowe, Clarke, Paine, Halls.

Leading up to the fixture my main worry was having a 10 man squad available due to Argyle and injuries, but with postponements within the club, we had a strong 16. The second worry was the weather. Not much calls Looe off but on that cliff edge it's exposed to the elements and you need to be smart to not let it affect your game and the result. Despite some heavy showers during the warm up, it passed quickly and it turned out to be an alright day. The surface was good despite the weather we've had, and encouraged a slick passing game for both sides. There will be far worse surfaces at Step 5 & 6 locally so credit to Boxy and Looe for that alone. Also nice to see some other improvements to the facilities, with new dugouts, club house in use for hot drinks and other tweaks to the changing room all new to me since my last visit 2 seasons ago.

We started slowly again. Looe were in front within the first few mins and the first attack. Shooting up the slope Looe won an early corner on the left and the inswinger was met by Philips to guide his header in for 1-0 to the home side. Oh great it's going to be one of those days! Fortunately it wasn't a catalyst to a collapse and we weathered a couple more attacks and began to build some of our own. Looe were impressive in the first half and carved out some decent attacks, including one which hit the woodwork. But we ourselves started to gain some traction down the slope. About 25mins in we changed shape and sacrificed a midfielder to have four attackers introducing a rejuvenated Cam Ross after a break from the game. His willing running alongside the other three forwards began to cause some real threat and final balls aside we were looking dangerous. 

The inevitable equaliser came from a good through ball by my man of the match Chaz Brown, who slid in Gaz Hird who raced away down the left hand channel and his low effort snuck under the keeper for 1-1. Not long later a bouncing ball inside Looe's box was smashed against the woodwork from Ryan Warren and away to safety. But it wasn't all our momentum, and Looe made the half end to end. A minute before HT I can't explain what Zak Pearce was doing so far forward but he found Hird again to put is in the lead for a 2-1 HT.

Though we deserved at least the 2 goals, I think Looe will have felt hard done by themselves that they hadn't capitalised on their own well worked attacks. HT covered defending the slope, being compact, but still being brave in attack as the pace from Hird and Ross in particular was causing problems. I considered changing the formation again as we have done many times away at Looe in the past, but we stuck with our attacking shape and it paid off right away to squash the immediate fightback from the restart. Hird found his way down the right hand side and from the byline cut back a low ball for Hicks to finish confidently on 50mins. It was Hicks again later causing issues and breaking through the offside trap 1v1 he nudged the bouncing ball past the onrushing keeper for an empty net from 25yards but the keeper clipped him and he was down like a sack of spuds. Huge appeals all over and relief from the home dugout as the keeper would've received at least a yellow due to the nature of the chance but waived away and Hicko was gestured to get up by the referee which did make me giggle. No harm done in the end. Not long later the tie was effectively over as the home keeper who was genuinely having a good game made an error with the ball in his control and Hird robbed it and completed his hat trick. Cue changes, including Halls and Paine from our u16s who have continued to impress in training with Halls making his 7th appearance for us and Paine's 2nd. Within a minute of their introduction, a ball in from the left wasn't dealt with and Paine smashed in his first men's goal. Buzzing. 

5-1 FT and probably a deserved score line. But the key was scoring right before and after HT which squashed Looe, as they were well in the game. From then I was impressed with our game management, particular Pacey in goal from our 4th and u18 teams on his 3rds debut, and both Warren and Brown having really effective games themselves. There will have been a lot of lessons learned from the game for the young squad with 7x u18s involved in a win that takes us to 3rd, with the Cup Final next Sunday. Some nice headaches to have for me now before we take on the old rivals Foxhole. 

 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 2 - 1 Foxhole Stars

Torpoint goalscorers: Hussey (pen), Payn.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteS, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Murray, Easterbrook, Warren, Payn.

Subs: Rio Driver, Bartolini, Northcott. Unused: Clarke, Halls.

Well...! A relief. Pride. Ecstasy. After a stressful and transitional period for myself and the side, it makes all the hard work worth it to see the rewards. Having gone 4 games without a win in late Feb into March, things were looking bleak considering we're used to winning. Football is like that and you don't just get what you think you deserve. But ending that short rut winning the Semi Final has sparked us into life again and we've learned some valuable lessons at both ends of the spectrum and now we're 5 unbeaten and we've retained the cup in it's final ever outting, earning ourselves an Evely Cup Final against Pendeen Rovers on Sun 30th April at Porthleven, somewhere I've wanted to play for a long time.

With the Foxes not having lost since May's Cup Final last year, we were the underdogs and not many genuinely fancied us. Usually I find Torpoint are the team people don't want to win, but this year it was Foxhole, likely due to their unbeaten season and everyone likes an underdog. This went in our favour, and despite the odds stacked against us, we had the most important thing in our locker, belief. I was incredibly nervous as I always am for big games and it's not often I skip meals!

We started quite brightly, but neither side really grabbed the opening spell by the scruff. Until 15mins in we got Easterbrook on the ball in a dangerous area, whose quick feet just inside the box brought himself a foul and a penalty, which Hussey confidently placed into the net having sent the keeper Prynn the wrong way. A few nerves were also on display on the pitch and a few loose touches and passes from both sides. On 33mins a long ball by eventual Man of the Match Pearce was swept up by Angel Coates, with Josh Payn in hot pursuit. Coates' underhit backpass was closed down by Payn who beat the flat footed keeper to the ball and found himself through on goal for an empty net and slid the ball in before the covering defender could get across for 2-0. Our other best effort in the half was a trademark Robbins free kick 25yards from goal which went narrowly over the bar. Foxhole themselves will rue a missed chance as a superb cross from the right hand side was met at the far post by top scorer Bould who smashed his volley against the woodwork from close range and the power on it rebounded to safety. Let off. 2-0 HT. I have to say I don't think we deserved a 2 goal lead as chances and quality possession was lacking from both sides. The longer the half wore on our defence continued to stay on top and centre half pairing of WhiteS and Pearce swept up everything other than the chance hitting the woodwork. The HT was really positive and it felt like everyone knew the situation. Having been 2-0 up at North Peth last month which finished in a draw we knew the game state well. Young Aidan Bark lead the discussion about the previous frustrations and another example of how the young lads have grown throughout the season as he held the room and others chipped in with similar notes. All I asked was to echo these statements and not give anything up. We knew Foxhole would throw the kitchen sink at us and we may even concede. Just know we have enough quality ourselves to score at the other end and not to crumble.

And crumble we did not. Ricks and Doodles in particular were doing their best to drive the team forward but no clear chances were had, until another cross from wide met Bould to head down and into the net, but the official ruled it out. Comments on the forum have suggested it was a foul on keeper Jackson, but I believe it was a push on Pearce and Deacs' image shows him doubled over. Fortuitous maybe that the referee spotted it but a relief for us. At the other end a counter attack lead to a chipped ball into Easterbrook 18yards out whose left footed half volley flew past Prynn and in for 3-0 but this was also disallowed, this time for offside, correctly so I think. Counter attacks were all we could muster throughout the half, and another break saw us 3 on 1 vs Rickard but the pass went left to Easterbrook again offside when a ball out right to Rio Driver would've been way onside in his own half to charge at goal with support nearby. These split second decisions are make or break and I did question if/when the next goal would come as it would be critical. And it eventually came Foxhole's way, with Cowboy Rowe pouncing on a loose ball to side foot the ball home with 10-15 still to play. With the Foxes having Bould, Rowe and the introduced Cheshire in attack, I was relieved we didn't give them much of a sniff after that and were very few close calls. The ascendency was all Foxhole's but the spine of the team was impeccable, with Pearce and young Brown in particular standout performers. Numerous times we had 10-11 players in our own 1/3 with no out ball which was a worry and we were far too deep. A late injury to Dom Murray stemmed the flow for a minute with the stoppage and I asked us to get 5-10yards higher up the pitch and for the forwards to at least leave one up to get us some joy of escaping. Eventually time petered out and the full time whistle went. 

The task now is to win the Evely Cup Final and retain that one too. I think it would be difficult for Foxhole to throw away the league title from the position they're in, but their schedule is jam packed and this may cause it's own hiccups as points are more important than games in hand. Not enough credit has gone to North Petherwin this season as they've lead the way for quite some time now, and will be determined to hold off their challengers. For us in the league, we also need to hang on to their coat tails and finish in the top 3, something we've done every year since the 15/16 season, so that's the other aim to finish above SNE, St Columb and St Minver who have wind in their sails again. 

A thank you to St Blazey for hosting their excellent facilities and a pleasure to see a smiling Martin Richards as always, the four officials who were their usual happy selves, and lastly to Foxhole who were gracious in defeat. A few beers shared afterwards with quite a few mixing between the sides, how it used to be! Good luck to Seth and the Foxes for the rest of their season, except the two games we still have to play eachother. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Foxhole Stars 3 - 0 Torpoint Athletic

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteJ, Hussey, Brown, WhiteS, Northcott, Easterbrook, Warren, Rio Driver.

Subs: Rowe, Bartolini, Ross, Quintrell.

A result reversal of the previous weekend. With our midweek fixture vs Liskeard Res postponed it meant back to back fixtures against the champions elect (IMO), where we've both come out with 1 victory each, arguably for each's priority fixture.

As expected, Foxhole were far more motivated willing to avenge our cup victory last Sunday, and they meant business. Though I thought we defended really well for long periods, admittedly we had to do a lot of it. Foxhole dominated proceedings down the slope for the opening 20-25mins with lots of pressure and the big threat from inswinging corners from Bidgood and Doodles. Smartly they did their best to drag Pearce out of the mixer but he cottoned on and for the most part we did defend well. Jackson was brought into a couple of smart saves down low and were cleared. It wasn't until 25-30mins that we eventually grew into the game ourselves, albeit briefly, when Warren showed nice feet to beat Damerell at left back before sending in a low cross which was eventually cleared. We then had a 5-10 minute spell where we were better and had some possession, but then approx 35mins the deadlock was broken by Bidgood. With Bould arriving late to the ground, the Foxes lineup was changed from the team sheet and Cowboy Rowe started through the middle, and it was his hold up play that was key to their first goal. With his back to goal and a slight turn, he played a superb reverse pass in behind Hussey for Bidgood to drive a lot shot to Jackson's left which he saved well, but Bidgood was there again to tuck away the rebound. A deserved 1-0 HT lead.

Not discouraged at all by the score line, we knew we were capable of far more in possession and we had the slope in our favour. We were better in the 2nd half, with young Rio Driver in particular improving his hold up play throughout the game and was tireless as a solo front man in closing Angel and Ricks' long balls out when he could. At 70mins I had lined up a change to impose a bit more of a threat and go for it a little, but as we prepared that change, a long ball by Angel was on the money and Cowboy again showed his ability. Through on goal and with his leg cocked back 14yards out, Pearce had no choice but to dive in in an attempt to block the shot, but was sent for a huge hot dog by Cowboy's dummy, who stopped the ball dead and then slotted the ball calmly under the onrushing Jackson for 2-0 at a crucial time. Real classy finish I had to admit. Gutted, as again we had defended well throughout the half. Less than 2mins later it was game over. With a packed box the ball fell kindly again to the man in form and through a crowded box of gold shirts Cowboy smashed the ball through a small gap and low into the corner. I imagine Jackson was unsighted but I had a good view of it and again a good finish. Though not deflated by our performance, it was effectively game over for the tie. There was still more time for Foxhole to turn the screw with the introduced Bould placing his side footed chance massively wide from a low centre from the left when well placed. 3-0 FT.

Though the score line is a blow, both Foxhole deserved it and I thought we defended well again just like we did the week before. Still some positives to take with Quintrell getting his first minutes since early July '22 when he badly injured his knee in only our 2nd pre season friendly, Rio Driver had a lesson from two experienced centre halves which he will have learned a lot from, and again Bark, Pearce and Brown defended well throughout. Bark in particular had a really interesting battle throughout the game vs Bidgood, probably one of the best players technically in the league. An ongoing battle throughout the match and was good to see Bark consistently good with his decision making, footwork and bite when needed against a top player. Negative is Easterbrook going off injured. Fixtures wise we now turn our attention to Wednesday where we host St Stephen at The Mill. 

[cornishteddyboy]

Hi, 

I am doing the programme for the Evely Cup taking place at Porthleven on the 30th.

Can someone send me your squad for the game, your management team (manager, assistants, first aid) and the colours you will be wearing. 

Cheers

CTB

[Foul Throw 3]

I can do that for you CTB. Can you send me your email address either on here or privately and I'll send everything over. 

18 minutes ago, cornishteddyboy said:

Hi, 

I am doing the programme for the Evely Cup taking place at Porthleven on the 30th.

Can someone send me your squad for the game, your management team (manager, assistants, first aid) and the colours you will be wearing. 

Cheers

CTB

Sorry didn't quote first time so may not get a notification I've replied.

[cornishteddyboy]

cornishteddyboy@hotmail.co.uk

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 2 - 0 St Stephen

Torpoint goalscorers: Robbins, Northcott.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Bartolini, Northcott, Warren, Ross, Robbins.

Subs: Rowe, Paine, Clarke, Halls, Quintrell.

With some key personnel unavailable, notably Easterbrook, I'm pretty pleased with the performance. Not to say we were brilliant, there's things to be critical about and higher gears I expect us to get to, but our first clean sheet in 11 games and some impressive individual performances last night I'm content with the positives too.

One thing I have hammered us for recently is poor prep and slow starts. So you can't blame me for missing our first goal! The warm up was much better, looked sharp, so maybe I myself should've been more alert from kick off. But as it happens 2mins into the game, myself and Osc were pumping up match balls in the dugout and we were 1-0 up 🤣

Apparently Byron scored a nice finish after being teed up by Cam Ross. Nice start. It didn't completely settle us and though I felt we posed a threat throughout, the final ball or off the ball movement wasn't quite there to capitalise on it. As the half wore on we slowly kept the ball for more passes or in better areas but too often either we lacked quality or were complacent and play fizzled out and it was frustrating to watch. The biggest threats we posed were our wide men in behind from Byron's intuition or 2nd balls into the channels but again not quite at the races. Easy to see and say on the side line but it's relatively simple stuff at any level. The biggest shining light from the whole game however was having a field day. Cam Ross on his 2nd full debut 5years since he last started for the 3rd team was working his socks off out on the right and was getting some real joy. Time and time again he was dominant against his larger counterpart but his speed and endeavour came out on top. Our 2nd goal was also provided by Cam, as a great ball in behind the left back was delivered low to the back post for Warren to side foot home from close range. However, it was chalked off for offside from the visiting linesman who was miles behind play, 10 yards + higher than Cam's starting position. I think he guessed to be honest, and I'm ok with that to a degree, it's human error. And I know the bloke and he is an honest guy and later on in the game proved just that. But at this time the official did go with the linesman and I understand that too, though I think he also recognised the error in the same breath. No harm done. HT finished 1-0, but we did create other shooting opportunities but mostly from 20yards or so, and a few dangerous corners delivered by Hussey and Robbins, one Pearce header in particular went close.

HT I was quite critical about the standards we want, quality and concentration, because they were all below the mark IMO. 60 seconds into the restart and we were 2-0 up. Cam Ross again the driving force took a decent touch inside on halfway and played a good pass in behind for the run of Northcott who had acres in front of him to lift the ball over the onrushing keeper from 20ish yards. Bit of a head loss for the keeper coming so far and made it slightly easier but you've still got to do the hard bit. More pressure followed but again we couldn't capitalise. The centre half who looked like a tall Mr Burns was composed and got in some decent interventions and Joe Stone in their midfield was annoying the hell out of me as his physicality won him far too many duels against our midfield. Around an hour I gave Chaz a rare break and took off the tiring Warren to add Rower's physicality and young Harvey Paine for his 2nd game in men's football. Both did well when they came on. Harv did make me gasp in hope at one point as he danced his way inside a tackle or two and let fly from 25yards which wasn't too far off target. He did look sharp and hopefully a sign of things to come for him before the season ends and long term. The next big chance was from another dangerous corner which wasn't cleared and a goal bound Bartolini strike was bravely blocked. Late in the game after 5 changes usually that disrupts the flow a bit, but the introductions were keen to impress too with some big games on the horizon. The big threat continued to come from little Ross and I lost count how many good crosses he put into the box, one low ball to the back post was whiskers away from Clarke getting a goal on his return from an injury setback. If he was 6ft8 rather than 6ft5 I think he'd have tucked it away. The next moment was the redeeming factor of the visiting linesman. Ross again being a nuisance sat down the full back and drove into the box and was scythed down for what both teams, an ageing shed and linesman thought was a stonewall pen. Referee strolling on halfway disagreed and waived away. Unusual to waive a penalty decision by a club linesman against his own team? But hey ho. 10 yards away vs 50. It was late in the game and didn't effect the result but would've been nice to get a 3rd and assuming it was scored a 3rd assist for Ross, a 4th if the earlier offside goal stood. Silly output really. FT 2-0.

Some positives to take for both sides I'd imagine. Can't speak for Doc but compare last night to our previous visit they were more robust, organised and defended well. I only recall Jackson being called into action once or twice but defensively they have improved, as their goals against stats show. For us, I now have some welcome headaches going into next week with 3 games in 6 days, the 3rd being the Evely Cup Final. So managing that schedule in the build up will be new to me and us collectively. But a welcome learning curve!

Good luck to St Stephen for the rest of their season. Onto next Tues where we welcome Liskeard Res. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 0 - 3 Liskeard

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, WhiteJ, Pearce, Hussey, Brown, Robbins, Rowe, Warren, Ross, Tate.

Subs: WhiteS, Northcott, Clarke, Rio Driver, Quintrell.

A tough one to take still 24hrs on. A derby that is always a closely fought encounter and rarely more than a goal or two in it.  But last night we weren't clinical enough in the first half and lacklustre/impotent in the second. 

We started ok and definitely should've been in front. The lack of pace in Liskeard's back line was causing them problems and even poorly weighted balls in behind looked threatening with backtracking players running in quicksand. But the chances that fell to us were poorly executed, lacked composure, quality, etc etc and we were left frustrated with not even testing the stand in goalkeeper. Liskeard's wing backs in Hinks and Harris were threatening themselves, but in a very tough position were being asked questions themselves going backwards with gaps out wide. But in the end Liskeard turned the tie and it was a deep cross from Gilbert out on the left that was headed over by Hinks from inside 10yards when any downward header would've been a tough ask of goalkeeper Jackson. A let off. A set piece wide on the right by Liskeard was swept home by Westall for 1-0, which after a discussion between linesman and the official was ruled out. Another let off. Late in the half a ball into the middle brought Westall and Pearce together and the latter was rightfully punished for a foul and a yellow. With Hopkinson and Gilbert stood over the ball it was to my surprise Gilbert came out on top of the pecking order and showed why. From 25yards he let fly and into the corner for 1-0 minutes before HT.

The opening period of the game was promising but if you're not going to put your foot through the damn thing and stick it in the onion bag you get what you deserve. The second half was a no show from us in possession and offensively. I cannot recall a single shot on goal for 45mins. Maybe we did, but it couldn't have been anything of note. We "tried" to play from the back but it was poor. We gave it away, took too long and encouraged the press or we put it into midfield and didn't keep it. Considering what I perceived to be a weakness in their back line it was a frustrating watch and the attackers were for the most part strangers. Bobby grew into the game for the visitors and his experience showed without moving, the defenders had an easy 45 and around 65-70mins the ball rolled across our third 25-30yards out and Cotton produced a bullet out of nowhere into the top corner for 2-0. 5mins after that a corner was drilled into the box for Westall to guide in a good header against his former club for 3-0 and the nail in the coffin. 

I can handle losing to 3 goals of quality but I don't think Jackson had many saves to make either. So why can't we produce something at the other end ourselves? At HT I asked for belief and courage and from 16 lads maybe 5 can hold their heads high but if we play like that again tomorrow and Sunday we can kiss goodbye to a decent run in for the season. A deflated report. We won the League Cup 3 weeks ago and the ultimate high from that has worn off quickly. If we pull our fingers out tomorrow night I'll be writing the next report in a different frame of mind again in the rollercoaster that is local football. Draining one minute, ecstasy the next. Hopefully the latter come 21:30 tomorrow night where we welcome a young St Blazey reserves side.

Good luck to Liskeard & JC for the promotion push.

 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 2 - 0 St Blazey Res

Torpoint goalscorers: Pearce (pen), Payn.

Lineup: Jackson, Quintrell, Pearce, WhiteS, Warren, Bartolini, Payn, Northcott, Ross, Rio Driver, Clarke.

Subs: Bark, Brown, Rowe, WhiteJ, Halls.

Night and day compared to Tuesday night. I'm sure readers can tell from my report above we were nowhere near good enough and my blood was still boiling last night. We covered all of that an hour before KO and myself and a couple of others got it all off our chest. Some truths were said but fully justified and sometimes things need to be said and feelings need to be hurt. A little criticism is better than losing a game in the manner we did. Anyway, we got a huge reaction. With a completely different WU to our usual routine and the air cleared we were far better and pumped up from the off.

Only 3 changes to the 16 man squad from Tuesday but 7 changes to the starting line up. With 4 games in 9 days and the 3rd on Sunday a Cup Final changes and rotation was obvious with the schedule but every man stepped up and it's amazing how quickly you can turn it round and your mood change!

Onto the game. We started brightly and the slick surface was the catalyst for both teams trying to play "the right way" for the most part and was good to watch. An early chance for us was created inside the left hand channel and a one on one from 16yards was well saved by the young goalkeeper Liam Hill. I'd heard/read comments about him on this forum and social media recently and I did think they can't all be wrong, and they weren't. We stayed on top for the first 25-30mins and deserved the 1-0 lead, with a great bit of play through the middle putting Bartolini inside the box who drew the man and with the outside of his boot smartly prodded a pass wider a few yards to Northcott who had the whole goal to aim at, but Hill was out like lightning and smothered Northcott cutting him in half as Aidy lifted the ball over him to win a penalty. The only mistake from Hill all game who was kept busy throughout. With Robbins and Hussey bombed/rested for Sunday I'd completely forgotten to nominate a penalty taker and having discussed "having a pair" before the game I had no drama with Pearce stepping up and slotting it comfortably down the middle with Hill guessing the wrong way. Knowing the lad can hit the ball a mile one of the subs was already on his way to the youth pitch in case it flew over the bar! 🤣 I was very surprised to see him side foot it. After the goal it was pleasing to see a lack of satisfaction and we continued to push. Chances fell to Ross who drilled at Hill, Clarke who drilled at Hill, Northcott who drilled at hill (note the theme) and a good Northcott corner was met by a strong header from Pearce which wasn't too far off target. Hill's shot stopping with his feet or making himself big was the best I'd seen this season since the opening game of the season vs North Petherwin, who I believe has moved on since. Other keepers at this level with the greatest respect don't save all of those chances. Having said that, I do think we could've scored more with a little more coolness in front of him or maybe trying something different, having seen the nature of his skillset. But in the game you don't have time to reflect like you do from the side. 

It wasn't all Torpoint though as Carr & Trethewey in the Blazey midfield are decent players and moved the ball well themselves. Far too often we were a yard or two off them rather than actual touch tight pressure on the ball and Carr in particular showed his ability and I'm glad he's at Blaise Park now rather than Lostwithiel. Munday was also a bit of a threat but for the most part we dealt with him well physically. 

HT finished 1-0 and I feel we dominated the half offensively and should be 3 or more up. Lots of individual coaching points to address yesterday which took a bit of time to address without really mentioning the fragility of the score line. A worry when I find team talks easier when you're behind!

The 2nd half was better in how we moved the ball around the back and midfield, but Blazey created far more chances themselves and should have been level on at least two occasions. A sustained pressure high in our third with some neat pass and move saw multiple Point players dive in and not sort their footwork out and eventually a Blazey player jockeyed a tackle and drew a foul near the 18yd line. From the home dugout I wasn't sure where it was, but definitely a foul and Nutey pointed to the spot. Luckily for us and a huge let off, Trethewey (I think?) hit a strong penalty at the crossbar with Jackson gone the wrong way and the ball went over for a goal kick. Fortunate but not happy. However, a silver lining for me was the individual reactions. Too often we haven't held each other to account on or off the pitch, and there were far more voices than usual demanding better, more! Not long after, Blazey created another big chance which went in our favour once more and we escaped with many bodies on the line to defend the clean sheet and we eventually cleared. Against the run of play I reckon, one Torpoint attack created shot after shot and in the end a loose ball was calmly controlled and tucked away by a composed Payn with a few defenders in the way. 

By this point we had all 5 subs on and no slouches either, so fresh legs certainly helped us. Quintrell was off after his first start since July and I am really pleased he looks fit and strong again following a bad knee injury. Halls from our u16s was on for his 8th substitute appearance in men's football and continues to impress me with his smarts outweighing his physique. His time will come I'm sure. I considered subbing Clarke who was on only his 2nd start since October who had also suffered a bad injury breaking his ankle but he seemed good to carry on and the 90 will have done him some good. I thought he had a really good game beyond his years and will only improve with games and experience. His link up play, movement and passing deserved a goal for his unselfish performance, if not for Hill and a drilled effort whiskers wide! 

FT 2-0. A justified result and score line, and should have been more. However, if Blazey had equalised when they were on top it would have changed the tide in their favour no doubt. Fine margins. Harsh on Blazey for their spell of pressure and another lesson for us that when on top we need to wrap it up and be more ruthless/clinical. The 2nd goal did help put a dampener on our visitors and was a key time to score. A much better place to be for us now before the Evely Cup Final on Sunday. Some fresh legs back, and thankfully some nicer headaches for me to have compared to a day earlier. 

Good luck to Martin & his Blazey team in the Res and u18s run in! 

[Foul Throw 3]

Evely Cup Final

Pendeen Rovers 2 - 0 Torpoint Athletic

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteS, Hussey, Robbins, Payn, Brown, Ross, Easterbrook, Clarke.

Subs: Warren, Bartolini, Northcott, WhiteJ, Rio Driver.

A great day in hindsight. Despite the result going against us, I thought we played really well, particularly the first half, and were unfortunate not to score at least 2 or 3. 

The game didn't take long to get some life in it. Ross looked sharp right from the off and beat his opposite man on the inside and smashed the ball against the crossbar around 14mins and the ball stayed out. Close! Pendeen weren't slow out of the blocks either, and minutes later a tackle in our half rebounded through for Alex Ralph to hit the loose ball home to take the lead. This didn't deter us and we got the ball forward to the wide men at every opportunity. 

Around half an hour in, a loose ball in the Pendeen box found Ross first to it and was brought down from behind for a penalty. Hussey stepped up and it was well saved by the Pendeen keeper. We had our foot on the gas now though and Ross continued to be a menace and skipped round the outside of the left back to the byline and squared a low ball into the box for Pearce to control 10 yards out, only to side foot his effort over the bar when leaning back. We had a number of other shooting opportunities but some from 25yards were whiskers wide. Usually I'd be happy to get shots off but on a huge pitch I always felt we had time and space to work the ball into better opportunities and the keeper was left untested at times. 

Late in the half I wondered how we weren't ahead, but with a minute to go a long ball down our left hand side was raced onto by the Pendeen forward and Pearce, who lunged in and brought him down by the touchline. The free kick was whipped in and a coming together between the attacker and Jackson was won by the attacker and nodded in for 2-0. HT.

A harsh score line at the break. We had the chances to be ahead but ultimately didn't take them and it cost us big time. Pendeen had a few chances of their own and were clinical when they did. Ralph again had their other big chance when a Pendeen counter from our corner put him through to round Jackson, but off balance his effort towards goal was cleared off the line by a covering Hussey.

We didn't need to be too defeatist and we had to go for it, but as the 2nd half wore on we simply ran out of time. Around the hour a low cross was met by Clarke, whose size 14s weren't quite big enough for enough contact to divert home from 6yards. Chances decreased in the 2nd half as we stopped moving the ball as well, maybe a bit of desperation crept in. Late in the game a cross from the right hand side was whiskers away from Clarke to tuck in, bounced back off the post and all the way across the line, both Payn and Rio Driver arriving at the back post somehow lost all ability to kick a ball and it rolled away to safety. How 3 players inches from the line can miss a slow moving ball can only be likened to when the NBA players lose their powers in Space Jam to the Monstars. With almost 10 minutes remaining, scoring then would've been game on, but when that one didn't go in, along with the penalty and other big chances, you just knew it wasn't going to be our day. Frankly, we've had too many games like that this season where collectively we've created chances to win most games of football and we have an off day, 8 times! It's harsh to say but it's not good enough and all over we need more goal scorers from all positions. 

Having said that, losing yesterday didn't hurt as much as you'd think, as the Evely Cup is an East vs West Super Cup it's a gimme after both teams have won their league cups to get there. Having won it last year it would've been nice to retain it in it's final year before the merger but hey ho. We weren't the better side in the League Cup Final vs Foxhole and defended like dogs so maybe our luck had reversed for yesterday. That's football!

It was a great day, and despite it being very foggy on arrival, the sun burned through just before KO and it was a warm afternoon. Certainly helped the flow of beers after and both teams mixed and that's how it should be. Sean and his boys were a good bunch and congratulations to them on a successful season. Thanks to Porthleven for hosting and their facilities and pitch are excellent. The team of officials were brilliant too, superb management from Derek right from the off and an easy game to referee with no nasty tackles and only a few cynical ones to stop counters. 

With 4 league games remaining the target now is to hunt SNE down for a top 3 finish and I certainly won't be resting on my laurels. Next game is tomorrow night where we host Roche at The Mill.

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 2 - 1 Roche AFC

Torpoint goalscorers: Warren, OG.

Lineup: Jackson, Quintrell, Pearce, WhiteJ, Warren, Robbins, Payn, Northcott, Ross, Easterbrook, Rio Driver.

Subs: Brown, Bartolini, Clarke, Hussey, Halls.

A very fortunate 3 points but grateful with so few games left in our quest to finish as high up the table as possible.

Early on we moved the ball round ok. Often overplaying at times we did need to move the ball forward at earlier opportunities. The windy conditions didn't help either side and anything in the air was swirling around, moving the ball or being held up, it looked a little unpredictable. The first time we moved the ball forward with any sort of threat we worked the ball out left to Easterbrook and Rio Driver who squared to Northcott 20 yards out, who hit a shot at goal but was saved by the visiting keeper. As the half wore on Roche slowly squeezed us into our half and really limited us. The Roche left winger really grew into the game and was by far the biggest threat on the pitch all game, and it was his drive down the left and cross which created the best chance of the half which from inside the 6yd box the Roche forward side footed against the crossbar when he was almost in the goal. Shocking miss and a huge let off for us. Around 35mins an aerial battle left Northcott concussed and he had to be subbed off as a precaution. Rightfully so as not long after he was sick so I sent him to A&E and that's his season over while following the guidelines. Another aerial battle was very late leaving Rio Driver on the deck rubbing his head, no free kick given but an uncontested drop ball. Byron pinged the ball out wide on the right to Ross who had largely been kept quiet thus far, who won a corner. The inswinging corner from Warren was curled directly inside the far post for 1-0, wind assisted about a minute before HT. Cue disgruntled shouts of unsportsmanship behaviour. Whether you agree or not, the threats while walking off the pitch by 2 Roche officials and 2 players weren't ideal for the official to deal with. Tit for tat but I think the drop ball should've been a free kick anyway. "Break him in half", "we need to get him 2nd half" etc etc.

A poor half really and not enough chances created except some dangerous set pieces whiskers away from Pearce on two occasions, and others well delivered but not enough from those in the box to get on the end of them. We did our best to get in behind a few times but the execution wasn't matched with the high winds and often went too long and even balls on the deck was pushed along to Roche's safety. HT was a mixture of criticism/coaching points and we didn't begin the restart well. The left winger again (Sam Eccleston I think) was very impressive throughout the 2nd half, dribbled his way down the left and his low ball into the 6 yard box was bundled into our own net by Jake White for their equaliser. Luckily the lead didn't last long as a set piece from the left 5mins later was headed towards goal by Whitey trying to make amends and it ended up in the net for 2-1, I think an OG, though Whitey will scream redemption. 

This didn't deter Roche though and they really pushed on. Huge chances missed as they skied one over the bar when a cut back found the forward 10yards out in the middle of the goal, then the same forward who smashed the crossbar in the first half repeated his feat again when well placed, and another effort hit the post. We really rode our luck and as the game wore on we should've been 5-2 down and it just wasn't Roche's day. Their finishing was that bad I almost felt like we couldn't do any wrong and we'd win, through none of our own work. It's hard to describe in detail how lucky we got. Jackson barely had a save to make as they didn't hit the target, and we won the game from 2 set pieces. We did create some half chances but too often shot from 18-25yards when we could've worked the ball closer and that's something we need to address with individuals and their decision making in the final third. 2-1 FT.

Despite not creating much and a sub standard performance, some positives to take were Warren playing well again at left back and both Clarke and Halls did well when introduced. Our MOTM for me again went to Cameron Ross who has been a breath of fresh air recently and he tormented the Roche left back into submission in the 2nd half as the lad is relentless both in his running and his mouth! 

A fortunate 3 points but key for us to climb to 3rd in the table and above SNE on goal difference. No chance of us being close to the top 2 on completion of the season but I am adamant we finish 3rd as any lower is simply not good enough IMO. Whether people think we're good enough to achieve that is their opinion and the table won't be a lie come the end of the month. 3 games left starting with St Teath at The Mill on Saturday. A concussion and 2 more injuries last night will give others some opportunities in the remaining games. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 4 - 1 St Teath

Torpoint goalscorers: Payn, Robbins, Clarke x2.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteJ, Hussey, Robbins, Brown, Halls, Ross, Rio Driver, Clarke.

Subs: Paine, Payn, WhiteS, Rowe. Unused: Bays

A complete role reversal of the Roche game a few days earlier. It won't make them feel any better but up until 65mins we had stolen their finishing abilities and the cruel mistress of football was handing us some balance.

The first half was 35-40mins all Torpoint, but honestly the worst finishing I've seen in years. We moved the ball well enough and created lots of chances to put St Teath to the sword but we were just so impotent! Cam Ross again a menace on the right wing must've sent in half a dozen dangerous crosses with no one on the end of them or poor quality finishing. On 21mins Byron had had enough and decided to go himself but from 20yards his drive smashed the crossbar and out to safety. After that a cross from Ross was met 8 yards out by Clarke who misguided his effort and didn't test the visiting keeper. Next guilt edged chance went to Jake White who headed wide of the goal from a good Hussey delivery from a corner on the right. Rio Driver was next to step up to the plate and had looked threatening in behind all half, got the ball in some space and drove inside the full back and smashed one goal wards from 18yards only for that effort to smash back off the cross bar too. Rio Driver again for the next episode of chip the paint off the goal frame was just not our day as his low effort hit the inside of the post, bounced back into the 6 yard box and Clarke with the whole goal to aim at cleared it for St Teath with a massively miscued effort which went wide. The next effort would've made all the above worth it but it just wasn't to be. A bit of pressure in the St Teath box and a loose ball fell kindly to Boyd Halls from our u16s making his first start in men's football, hit a low left footed strike to the bottom corner which was well saved and out for a corner. Would've been nice for him to break the deadlock with his first goal after impressing us in all his cameos so far. Towards the latter part of the half, all our misses buoyed St Teath and they did grow into the game. We knew their dangerous players would be the veteran No.2 Olly Edwards and the left winger No.7. The latter driving towards goal and calling Jackson into action. But it remained 0-0 for HT.

Confidence was shot to be honest. How do you deal with a HT where you should be 5 or 6 goals to the good but misses spread throughout the team. On the restart we were fairly fired up from some harsh words said, but also some lacking in confidence. Just before the hour we made 3 changes to make it 4 in total with Paine from our u16s on at the break. I knew we'd get there in the end, but it was St Teath who opened the scoring first. I had to laugh. Football is a funny old game as they say weekly on the Podcast. One of many many silly offsides on our part resulted in their goal. The free kick was lumped into our third where we didn't deal with it, and the striker simply had more desire and smarts to squeeze his shot away and inside Jackson's near post. Fortunately their lead only lasted a few minutes as we equalised quickly. Robbins leading the charge showed neat footwork around 25-30yards and slid in Payn between the centre half and full back who shot early on his left and through the keeper's attempted save for 1-1. We almost took the lead immediately as Ross drove past the full back for the millionth time since resigning and his fierce drive smashed the crossbar...again.

We continued to push but the chances weren't as clear as the first half's. Eventually the balance was broken, and a Hussey corner from the left was cleared and back out to him, who had time to square the bouncing ball to Robbins on the edge, who smashed a half volley through the crowd into the corner leaving the keeper no chance. Neither of us celebrated which tells it's own story about the frustrations. The best open play goal I've seen him score in a while. At this point it was relief but I didn't want anyone to rest on their laurels and luckily we didn't. The reintroduced Clarke got his deserved goal after an error at the back, and then got his brace 2minutes later after being slipped in by Ross, bringing out a strong save but tucking in the rebound for 4-1.

A hot humid day probably didn't help the mood but we got the win which was most important, sealing a minimum of a top 4 finish now. Huge positives to take were Boyd's first start and another 45mins for Paine, with 6x u18s in the squad again yesterday. For a young squad to seal top 4 and a cup win this season is no doubt huge, but if/when we're going to challenge for the league again we need to go up another gear. All in good time! 

Congrats to Foxhole on finally topping the table which has been inevitable for some time. And thanks again to St Teath for a good game. Never any animosity or negativity from our battles. Shame Will Kitto would rather be at Centre Parcs than visit The Mill! 

[Foul Throw 3]

Torpoint Athletic 1 - 3 Foxhole Stars

Torpoint goalscorer: Ross.

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteJ, Warren, Robbins, Pacey, Murray, Ross, Cullerton, Payn.

Subs: Rio Driver, Clarke, Rowe, Halls. Unused: Brown.

A game of two halves for our 6th meeting in 2 seasons. This season the success is almost all Foxhole's with an impressive unbeaten league campaign thus far with a few more hurdles to go for their inevitable winners trophy. I'd hoped we'd upset the apple cart and get an important win for ourselves, but frankly our first half performance deserved nothing!

We started poorly and Foxhole had their foot on the gas early with pressure in our third. We weathered the early storm and chances were under hit or squashed but the momentum was already in their favour due to their own endeavour and our lack of balls! Any goal kick or deep free kick was launched into our box for us to deal with and any clearances were swept up by Doodles, Dingle and Kerrigan to play their football in our half. We couldn't catch a breath and when we did, we gave it away. I lost count how many headers Coates and Ricks in particular won which fell to their own team mates to sustain their possession. Doodles was running rings round us and looked below his level and eventually Foxhole's front foot football paid dividends. A loose bouncing ball 30 yards out was controlled by Cowboy to smash a half effort volley towards goal which wasn't dealt with by Jackson and in for the lead. Not great but no one should have that much time and space to tee up a volley when between the posts from any distance. The deserved lead was increased 15mins later when Bould struck twice within a minute around the 39min mark for 0-3, one a good finish from 18 yards. Both avoidable and sloppy from our point and a huge deficit to fall behind a team that have only conceded 12 league goals prior to last night. 0-3 HT.

We've played poorly all season at home for midweekers but last night's first half was joint top for the most disappointing along with the Nanpean game back in March. It's not often I'd describe my approach as the hairdryer treatment but no questions asked they deserved my best effort and I blew a gasket. I came out for the restart very dry mouthed!

The reaction was good. Why does it need a HT like that to get something? If you're going to compete with the best in any league it shouldn't be difficult to motivate yourselves or you're going to be found wanting.  We didn't create huge chances right away, but the momentum certainly shifted quickly. Passes were finding feet, we played with a sense of urgency and quality and we finally got the ball wide, to Cam Ross in particular out on the right. Damerell did well in most 1v1 situations against him but the infectious little rascal is relentless and he won't stop. I'm pretty sure he doesn't sleep! 

No clear cut chances or bringing Prynn into big calls but we were turning the screw and eventually pulled one back around the hour. A corner only cleared to the edge of the box found Ross who hit a neat volley from a bouncing ball into the bottom corner from 18yards for his first goal for the 3rd team since his return, 5 years since his last. He's been our best player for weeks so fully deserved. I'd hoped that would rattle Foxhole a little, which it did slightly from the demeanour of their dugout, but Ricks and co weathered us well. We continued to move the ball well and our distribution and the difference between the two halves was night and day! The last 5-10mins in particular though they had enough know how to kill the clock and overplay in some areas to eat up time. Our pressure didn't tell as we couldn't carve them open but if the second half was the only half you saw you'd wonder how we didn't win on the balance. The opposite to the first where we were bullied and showed nothing to deserve anything against good teams. Credit to Foxhole for that. 1-3 FT.

Well refereed I thought, quite a few cards, 5 I think, but consistent as a few were for time wasting and/or kicking the ball away. Silly really as once one or two is dished out the others didn't learn. The game never boiled over and any incident resulted in a "chat" and never got a repeat offence. Good game management without knowing the discussion. Only one heated moment late on and that was swiftly dealt with and diffused. 

On the whole, a deserved win for the visitors, and a deserved title only a couple of Ws away. They've ran away with the league really despite being behind on fixtures for months! You only have to look at their goal difference of 53 better than the 2nd best GD to see they've blown everyone out of the water. Still, disappointing not to match them in either league fixture. All the best for Seth, Ricks and the team for their run in. 

[Foul Throw 3]

Nanpean 2 - 6 Torpoint Athletic

Torpoint goalscorers: Ross x2, Stearnes, Payn, Pearce, Clarke  

Lineup: Jackson, Bark, Pearce, WhiteJ, WhiteS, Robbins, Rowe, Payn Ross, Stearnes, Clarke.

Subs: Blair, Roberts, Cowd, Gibbons. Unused: Hussey. 
 

Our final game of the season and my final game at the helm. 
A deleted squad in terms of regulars, with 10 missing with more than 10 apps, and even more with less apps than that unavailable. Was close to the 40th person before I was content we had enough. Luckily we could get in Stearnesy from our 2nd team, 3 lads from our 4th team and our “Football Co-Ordinator” we were that desperate. 
Despite this we started strongly. Nanpean battered us two months ago at The Mill 4-1 with Jaffa Rowe & Trudgeon having too much quality. Today Nanpean didn’t have those two and we got our revenge. 
Our first goal was from Aidan Bark driving infield from fullback and sliding in Stearnesy to slide the ball beyond the keeper with the outside of his foot. 
Our 2nd goal was a beautiful selfless tap in from Ross, after some really neat play in our half put Payn through on goal 1v1, who waited for the duracell bunny to catch up with him and a sweaty pass to Payn’s left gave Ross the easiest of finishes with the keeper stranded and no chance of a rescue. 
The 3rd wasn’t long after, around half an hour with Aidan Bark again the creator with a low ball into the box for Ed Clarke to side foot into the corner of the net for his 10th goal of the season, his first in men’s football. Not bad considering a broken ankle in October. 
Less than 60 secs later we were on Nanpean again and Payn smashed one into the top corner from 25yds for 4-0. The 5th was a couple of minutes before the HT break with Aidan Bark getting a hat trick of assists, burst down the right once again to cross into the box for an adventurous Pearce to side foot into the goal on the stretch for 5-0 HT. 
A very good half where we genuinely could’ve had more. Pearce should’ve had a hat trick when smashing the woodwork from a strong header and another chance evading his stretch. 
After 50mins, we had 3 subs on for fresh energy and deserved game time for helping us out in our time of need. But the heat and complacency got to us. Nanpean were  dead on their feet and mostly at a walk in the high temperature. But we moved the ball lethargically ourselves and posed zero threat. We became sloppy, lacked concentration and were poor from then on. Nanpean got one back with a good ball in behind full back and centre half giving the Nanpean wide man the chance to finish for 1-5. We restored our 5 goal advantage after Rowe had forced a reaction save from the keeper, only for the ball to fall to Ross to control and place inside the far post for his 2nd and our 6th from 10 yards. We posed a little more of a threat and 0 goals this season and duck drink bound Aidan Bark was chipped through on goal behind the left back but his giddy touch was unusually no good and allowed a last ditch tackle before he pulled the trigger. Late in the game Nanpean got their 2nd, a superb free kick from the captain from 30yds into the top corner clipping the woodwork on the way in. 
The last meaningful action of the game left us down to 9 men for the remaining 2mins. The Nanpean forward had a foot race with Roberts and both collapsed to the floor with Pearce following up to clear the danger. But the referee blew for a foul and sent Roberts for a last man tackle, our first red card of the season for a lad who travelled to help us out from our 4th team. How’s your luck? No way Pearce wasn’t close enough to stop a goal scoring opportunity or deem it as last man IMO. Credit to the Nanpean players who tried to keep him on the pitch. The following 30secs of this while we set up the wall got Gibbons a sin bin, so we finished the last 2mins in a 4-3-1 formation to see the game out. 
A hot day, only a week after Cornish monsoons postponed games all over the county. Today was more like May weather! Disappointed to not have showers or be fed after the game, but no dramas with the opposition as not a bad tackle all game and was played in good spirits. 
Personally, glad the season is over as it has been stressful. Delighted to retain the League Cup and hopefully we’ve done enough to finish 3rd in the league. it’s been a struggle but there are huge positives as well. Over 180 apps for our u18s and 16s blooding them in a cup winning 3rd/4th placed side is brilliant for them and the club’s future. Look forward to seeing what the future holds for them all. Hopefully this is just a mere platform for them to reach a higher level. 
Finally, congratulations to Seth, Ricks and all at Foxhole for sealing the title today. Worthy league champions!