Penzance v Falmouth Town tonight, 7.30pm

[James_Wright]

Penzance contest their third friendly of the summer when former Magpie Andrew Westgarth brings his Falmouth Town side to Penlee Park tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).
Cornwall’s best supported club last visited in October 2021. On that occasion, Mark Vercesi’s first half penalty was not enough to prevent the home side slipping to a 1-5 defeat as Falmouth surged towards the championship and promotion to the Western League.
Tonight’s match represents a final pre-season run-out for the Ambers who start their league campaign, their second at Step Five, with a visit to newly promoted Brixham on Saturday. Goals from Luke Barner, Alex Wharton and Jared Simms handed Falmouth at 3-2 win in their last outing, at Bodmin Town on Friday. Westgarth names that trio in tonight’s squad whilst also selecting Morgan Coxhead, James Swan, Max Everall, James Ward (captain), Tom Annear, Bradley Leivers, Kayden Gordon-Dunn, Jack Webber, Andreas Calleja-Stayne, Jacob Grange, Cam Hutchison, Jayden Gilbert, Luke Brabyn, Olly Pickup, Olly Walker and Jos Plummer.
“This will be a massive test for us against top opposition,” predicts Magpies manager Ashley Waters. “So far in the pre-season matches the players have gained valuable game time getting minutes into their legs. With the season fast approaching, hopefully we’ll see a good Penzance performance building momentum going into our first league fixture. Supporters will have a massive part to play this season, so please get down and support the boys!”
Waters names an 18 man squad comprising Mikey Flores, Will Trenoweth, Archie Reynolds, Silas Sullivan, Tyler Tonkin (captain), Gary Matthews, Kai Baxter, Jacob Trudgeon, Rolandos Samnauskas, Oscar Massey, Mark Vercesi, Obinna Abuka, Michael Fitchett, Frazer Cadman, Alfie Hicks, Alfie Turner, Jordan Daniell and Dylan Walter 
Admission is £5 (concessions £3). Drinks and refreshments will be available from the Black & White Cafe inside the ground, and the Jewson Bar. A matchday programme with be available.
 

[Mike Odgers]

Its good to see Mark Vercesi still performing at Penlee Park -it was over 12 years ago he joined Falmouth from Penzance  (2010-12) making 96 appearances scoring 63 goals..  

Has he kept a career historical record as it would be a top read following the latest 'Rappo' football life story

From that last meeting in October 2021 (Att.177) Falmouth have a much changed squad but does include former Magpie Andreas Calleja-Stayne who had just joined that season. Others Tom Annear-James Ward-Luke Brabyn and Luke Barner who are still at Bickland

[Mike Odgers]

Penzance  0--Falmouth Town 1  tom Annear  (pen) 62m--Att.225

[The Town Man]

1 hour ago, Mike Odgers said:

Penzance  0--Falmouth Town 1  tom Annear  (pen) 62m--Att.225

Not a score-line that reflected the balance of play really. Town were on top for the majority of the game and played some nice football at times.  Still a problem with the final ball and finishing but we will see when the real stuff starts at the weekend.

The goal came after an intelligent run from Jaiden Gilbert was spotted by a Falmouth midfielder (can't remember which one). Gilbert went to round the keeper and was brought down. Penalty kick despatched by Tom Annear.

Encouraging return from Cam Hutchison who was at the heart of some good moves. Looked like a 3-5-2 with wing-backs Luke Brabyn and Bradley Leivers. Leave it to others for their opinion on its effectiveness.

Interesting new Penzance player in Oscar Massey. Didn't get much service but was strong and confident when on the ball and showed a good turn of pace. Sorry Penzance but he would look good in black and amber!

[Ian Pethick]

9 hours ago, The Town Man said:

Not a score-line that reflected the balance of play really. Town were on top for the majority of the game and played some nice football at times.  Still a problem with the final ball and finishing but we will see when the real stuff starts at the weekend.

The goal came after an intelligent run from Jaiden Gilbert was spotted by a Falmouth midfielder (can't remember which one). Gilbert went to round the keeper and was brought down. Penalty kick despatched by Tom Annear.

Encouraging return from Cam Hutchison who was at the heart of some good moves. Looked like a 3-5-2 with wing-backs Luke Brabyn and Bradley Leivers. Leave it to others for their opinion on its effectiveness.

Interesting new Penzance player in Oscar Massey. Didn't get much service but was strong and confident when on the ball and showed a good turn of pace. Sorry Penzance but he would look good in black and amber!

Is that the ex Torquay and Argyle youth player Jayden Gilbert playing upfront for Falmouth?

Penzance did well to sign Oscar Massey. No offence to them, but he is probably a couple of levels below where he should be. Seem to remember him being highly rated at Argyle as a youngster (same as Rhys Shirley, who seems to have disappeared after picking up a serious injury). Might be a good thing though for him to play every week and enjoy his football after barely playing at Swindon, and going out on loan to 3 different clubs last season.

[Mike Odgers]

Probably right Ian,   I note Jayden Gilbert scoring for  Torquay U 18's in a F A Youth cup tie against  Falmouth Last season.

[golong]

It's clear throughout pre-season Falmouth lack a goal scorer. Losing their top scorer and not replacing him with the season only a matter of days away seems a risk. 

[The Town Man]

3 hours ago, Way Of The Park said:

Penzance did well to sign Oscar Massey. No offence to them, but he is probably a couple of levels below where he should be. Seem to remember him being highly rated at Argyle as a youngster (same as Rhys Shirley, who seems to have disappeared after picking up a serious injury). Might be a good thing though for him to play every week and enjoy his football after barely playing at Swindon, and going out on loan to 3 different clubs last season.

He might get a little frustrated though as Penzance struggled to give him the ball last night.  Assume he will get more service playing against sides in the SWPL.  Penzance looked OK last night and could finish in a good position in the league if they can keep that team together.

[Ian Pethick]

2 hours ago, golong said:

It's clear throughout pre-season Falmouth lack a goal scorer. Losing their top scorer and not replacing him with the season only a matter of days away seems a risk. 

Problem is, there's not many ace goal scorers around, and everybody wants them. See that Liskeard's Dan Jennings and Wadebridge's Jacob Rowe are both registered on Full Time, cover only I would assume. Both would be good to have around on a permanent basis.

[Jeremy Wade]

21 minutes ago, Way Of The Park said:

Problem is, there's not many ace goal scorers around, and everybody wants them. See that Liskeard's Dan Jennings and Wadebridge's Jacob Rowe are both registered on Full Time, cover only I would assume. Both would be good to have around on a permanent basis.

I would have thought the only reason that's for 'cover' is Falmouth wont (and rightly so) stretch their budget to bring them in full time.  Which is a real shame IF true.

It seems that some 'smaller' clubs in lower leagues are running on a much bigger budget to field a team than Falmouth, and they (Falmouth) seem to be trying to keep it sustainable, especially as travel cost etc are so high.  Again which IF true seems a very good strategy for the club as we have seen many fall by the wayside due to these issues.  This is a double edges sword and leaves them stuck between a rock and a hard place.

JW