Foxhole 1 Penryn 1

[Darin Morse]

Foxhole 1 Penryn 1

Saturday 23rd August 2008

Foxhole were only denied victory by Chris Davey's equaliser four minutes from time but a draw was probably about right. The first half was less than memorable, with the Foxes' long-ball tactics meat and drink for Peter Davey and Hal Davis, while new signing Capeling was too often left with insufficient support and poor service. The disappointing Griffin failed to connect properly with Warne's inventive free-kick in a rare goalmouth incident before being cautioned for foul language, while Raven had to move smartly to gather Capeling's shot on the turn. James, who was subsequently replaced by Band at the break, was also booked for a foul but overall it was pretty uneventful fare.

Although Bromley's 25 yard effort flew only just over within seconds of the restart, Penryn were to have the edge almost throughout the much livelier second period, with Paparone, Band and Hobbs (twice) all causing anxious moments to Ryan Holland. The referee's propensity to penalise virtually every Foxhole challenge did not endear him to the home faithful, particularly when he brandished further yellow cards to the combative Grose and Rowe, so it was a surprise when he allowed substitute Nicholls' close-range volley to stand on 75 with Raven laying supine. Foxhole appeared to be dealing relatively comfortably with the inevitable sustained visiting pressure until Bradshaw's great cross was forced home from a few inches by Davey at the far post. Warne nearly won it at the death but his shot was deflected agonisingly wide.

Foxhole (4-4-2): Ryan Holland 7; David Grose 7, Jason Warne 6, Mark Rowe 7, Phil Hobbs 6; Andrew Butler 6, Kyle Friendship 5, Adam Bromley 6 (sub. Tom Watson 5), Adam Holland 6; Steve Capeling 7, Richard Griffin 5 (sub. Liam Nicholls 6).

Penryn (4-4-2): Steve Raven; Chris James (sub. Dale Band), Dan Herring, Peter Davey, Hal Davis; Ashley Bradshaw, Will Scoley, Pat Shaughnessy, Chris Davey; Greg Hobbs, Carl Paparone.

Referee: Mr Luke Wilkes (Redruth) 6.