MILLBROOK 2, PENZANCE 0

Deprived of both Josh Turner and Josh Magin through injury, Penzance player-manager Mark Vercesi made three changes to the team that had won at Falmouth in midweek including handing a first Peninsula League start to sixteen year old defender Rohan Bennetts writes James Wright. However, his side never recovered from the dismissal of Wade Brown midway through the first half as they slumped to a disappointing defeat at Jenkins Park.

The home side had already threatened with forward Lee Robinson scooping a shot just wide in the opening moments. The momentum shifted decisively in their favour when veteran striker Brown copped a straight red card following a 23rd minute alteration with an opponent. Robinson fired just wide on two occasions, then slipped a good pass to his captain Josh Toulson whose shot was bravely blocked by opposite number Silas Sullivan.

The traffic was not entirely one way, however. On the stroke of half-time Charlie Young crashed a shot against Millbrook's post with Jacob Trudgeon and Ewan Trevains unable to force the ball home in the melee that ensued.

Almost straight after the turnaround, Brook made the breakthrough, Robinson tucking home a low shot from a Will Larsen centre. The lead would have been doubled almost immediately but for an excellent save by Harry Salmon from Larsen.

The ten men spurned a wonderful chance to equalise when George Molcher, shortly after coming on for Vercesi, shanked the ball over the bar from point blank range from a cut-back by Sullivan. This triggered a purple patch for the visitors as they threw all they had at their hosts in an attempt to get back on terms. Ollie Butler came off the bench and set up a chance for Charlie Young whose effort was saved by Alan Tercjak. The striker was also denied ten minutes from time when his thunderous free-kick was pouched by the keeper.

With Penzance pushed up frantically seeking the leveller they were regularly picked off by Millbrook counter attacks. The home side had gone close on several occasions before finally putting the match to bed in injury-time with a composed finish by substitute Jayden Preece.

Millbrook: Alan Tercjak, Cameron Stephens (Alfie Cole 70), Joe Rutherford, Kobi Law, James Manuel (Liam Manchip 53), Abucar Camara-Balde, Josh Toulson, Will Burns, Lee Robinson (Josh Payn 84), Jamie Geraghty (Jayden Preece 47), Will Larsen  (Charlie Brown 70)

Penzance: Harry Salmon, Archie Reynolds, James Butler (Sam Young 68), Mark Vercesi (George Molcher 56), Rohan Bennetts, Ewan Trevains, Jacob Trudgeon (Ollie Butler 68), Charlie Willis, Charlie Young, Wade Brown, Silas Sullivan (captain).

Unused sub: Matt James

Referee: Scott Doble

Assistants: Gavin Arnold, Paul Clark

Photos courtesy of James Wright