A single Darryl Richards goal in the closing moments of the first half inched Penzance to a third consecutive away victory in an unenthralling, though nonetheless watchable, end of season match-up at sun-drenched Priory Park.
“We weren't at our best, but today was about another valuable three points,” conceded winning manager Ashley Waters. His charges are now unbeaten in five games away from their Penlee Park fortress, a run that extends back to the first weekend of November. “Yet again the shape of the team and work rate made us difficult to break down,” added the gaffer. “Will Trenoweth never had to make a save.”
The glove man’s recovery from a back niggle that sidelined him from games against Launceston and Wadebridge was a major factor in the Magpies bossing the first half.
Adam Lewis, on only his second start for the first eleven, setup Richards for an early shot that Akan George saved. The keeper then bravely smothered the ball at the feet of James Butler, and clawed away a Mark Vercesi header, as the visitors dominated. He was, however, finally beaten four minutes before the break. Vercesi picked out Richards with a fine through pass, and the latter waltzed around George to tuck the ball home.
Injury posed the biggest jeopardy to Penzance’s lead post-turnaround. A groin strain resulted in midfield anchor Kam Collins being hauled for youngster Ewan Trevains at the break. A shoulder injury then saw Tyler Tonkin withdrawn. James Butler briefly assumed from him the captain’s arm-band until he himself was replaced by Michael Fitchett for the final twenty minutes. The third Magpies skipper of the day was right-back Archie Reynolds – a fitting accolade to a player present for all sixteen away games this season.
Despite the upheaval, the Magpies also just about edged the second half. Put through by Ollie Butler, Lewis was denied a second goal in consecutive games by a fine George save. Vercesi was also thwarted – by a brave block by Joe Munday.
“It was another stubborn performance from us defensively,” concluded Waters. “This was an impressive team effort to add to the highest Penzance points tally for 11 years. We move on to Tuesday night - the last game of the season - where hopefully the boys can put on a performance in front of a packed Penlee.”
Bodmin: Akan George, Dylan Peters, Tom McLachlan, Keelan England, Ollie Miller, Joe Skillicorn, Sam Eccleston, Louis Taylor (captain), Joe Munday, Noah Crump, Sam Cox. Subs: Henry Ellis, Will Elliott, Sonny Dover
Penzance: Will Trenoweth, Archie Reynolds, Alfie Turner (Gareth Ireson-Ward 81), Mark Vercesi, Liam Andrew, James Butler (Michael Fitchett 70), Ollie Butler, Kam Collins (Ewan Trevains 46), Tyler Tonkin (captain) (Silas Sullivan 51), Darryl Richards (Matt James 90), Adam Lewis
Referee: Tim Burley
Assistants: Jonathan Harris, Gavin Arnold
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