It was a game they were expected to win, and they did, but it was far from the Reserve team’s best performance. Joint Manager Darren Smith felt a 3-4-3 set-up would help his side retain possession higher up the field, but tweaking a formation that had served well in the preceding game at Falmouth United resulted a showing that was, in parts, disjointed.
Ben Reeve was returning from injury and started at the right side of the back three whilst the in-form Lewis Hitchens was pushed on to right midfield. Robertas Samnauskas, from the first team, started at left forward, and showed his class all game.
With Constantine coming close on several occasions in goalmouth scrambles, the Magpies were fortunate to go in one nil to the good thanks to a good bit of build-up play. Joel Steel played Joey Lamb through for a one versus one, and the latter calmly lifted his effort over the on-rushing Constantine keeper.
Chances for both teams were squandered, and the game hit a boiling point in the second half after a studs-up challenge on Samnauskas. The aftermath saw the home Player Manager sin binned and Penzance’s Josh Whitburn booked.
Things eventually settled down and Penzance struggled to capitalise on the numeric advantage. A Constantine free kick rebounded off the post much to the relief of keeper Adrian Murley and the management. Finally, victory was wrapped up when Samnauskas received a through ball and raced through to slot his left footed effort into the far corner.
“I felt we lowered our standards to their level today, and never really played as we all know we can”, says Smith. “I fully accept the formation change was my decision and that was partly to blame today, and potentially the reason for our lacklustre display at times! My bad! However, to go away from home on a pitch that did not suit our stye of play and to come back with three points and a clean sheet after, by our own admission, a shabby performance, is fully welcomed! We'll happily take that!”
Penzance Reserves are in Trelawny League action again this Saturday when they travel to Perranwell. Kick Off is 2.30pm