NEWTON ABBOT 0, PENZANCE 1

Holders Penzance travelled to Newton Abbot Spurs in the Walter C Parson Peninsula Cup and, despite missing many regular starters, edged through to the next round of a competition that have won for the past two seasons.

Absences always present unexpected opportunities. Long-serving defender Archie Reynolds, who lost his place in the squad back in the summer, wore the captain’s armband for the first time – testament to superlative form since regaining his place. And, after six substitute appearances, Jahmali Prowse made his first start. The teenage striker seized the opportunity, opening his scoring account after home goalkeeper Harry Meaden could only parry a stinging eleventh minute shot by Charlie Willis.

The hosts were experiencing availability challenges of their own and were under the cosh as the Magpies pushed for a second. Their woodwork was struck twice within thirty frenetic seconds, first by a George Molcher drive that rattled a post, then the crossbar, clipped by a Charlie Willis effort. On the stroke of half-time veteran striker Wade Brown, also unexpectedly thrust into the starting eleven, was just off target following up a saved Jacob Trudgeon free-kick.

Wade Brown came close to doubling the Magpies lead on the stroke of half-time.

Spurs were, however, more on it after the break. Jack Goodall put a header just wide from a corner whilst Lewie Rendle latched on to a loose clearance and struck a powerful drive that Harry Salmon did well to pouch. Magpies Player-Manager Mark Vercesi, himself unavailable due to injury, threw on teenage midfielder Ben Strevens for his first team debut, as well as another veteran, Frazer Cadman.

Prowse and Molcher both went close for Penzance whilst former Torquay United player Will Hancox fizzed a shot from distance just wide at the other end. Further Magpies changes saw Kai Baxter make his first appearance since rejoining the club, as a replacement for Willis and, bizarrely, sub keeper Will Trenoweth come on for Prowse to play the last few minutes up front. By this time Spurs had been reduced to ten men, sub Keaton Hughes copping a straight red for a reckless tackle on Reynolds, helping the depleted Magpies hobble over the line.

PROVEN PATHWAY

Jahmali Prowse (left) made his first start for the Firsts today, and scored his first goal whilst Ben Strevens (right) made his debut. Congratulations to both teenagers on these milestones, and all those who have helped their progress through our Youth and Reserves.

Penzance will host Torrington in the last sixteen, a tie that will be played at Penlee Park on Saturday 5th December.

Newton Abbot: Harry Meaden, Will Hancox, Jaden Bond, Sammy Hancox, Tyler Yendle (Keaton Hughes 68), Jack Goodall, Harry Page, Jamie Down, Lewie Rendle, Tom Amado, Levi Cable (Brodie Rendle 52).

Unused sub: Will Jones

Penzance: Harry Salmon, Archie Reynolds (captain), Ewan Trevains, Steve Burt, Ollie Butler, George Molcher, Charlie Willis (Kai Baxter 81), Jacob Trudgeon (Frazer Cadman 65), Wade Brown (Ben Strevens 65), Jahmali Prowse (Will Trenoweth 90), Josh Turner.

Unused sub: Matt James

Referee: Will Annear

Assistants: Julian Cook, Will Ferguson

Match Report and photos courtesy of James Wright