PENZANCE 1, ST BLAZEY 0

In their fourth of five friendlies, the last at home, Penzance recorded a noteworthy victory over higher ranked opposition writes James Wright. In stoppage time at the end of a very tight encounter, George Molcher drilled home the goal that beat a St Blazey side contesting a final warm-up fixture before travelling to Bridgwater United for their Western League opener on Saturday.

Kyle Moore pushed aside an early free-kick from James Butler, but thereafter the visitors were the more threatening side in the first half. After a strong burst through the centre by Tom Hensman, Sam Clifton crashed a pile-driver against a post. The young midfielder also pulled a shot wide whilst Hensman curled a free-kick over. At the other end, Charlie Young headed a corner against the cross-bar.

Early in the second half, Noah Maund managed to round home keeper Will Trenoweth, but left himself too tight an angle from which to score. Trenoweth then pulled off a great save from Hensman whilst Zephan Grigg and substitute Ryan Oxley were both off target with presentable opportunities.

Penzance had their chances too. The best fell to Wade Brown after 64 minutes when the half-time replacement for young prospect Brook Williams beat Moore to a long clearance, but pushed his lob over the on-rushing keeper above the bar. The ex-Mousehole and St Day forward played a huge part in the winning goal though, a minute into stoppage time. He wriggled clear down the left range and centred for Molcher to hook home a fine left foot shot.

“We are obviously happy with the result against a Western League side and another good run out where plenty of players got minutes,” purred Penzance coach Alfie Turner. “We were missing Lewis Caspall, Charlie Willis and Steve Burt tonight, so it shows the depth and quality we have within the squad.”

The Magpies conclude their pre-season schedule at Hayle on Friday night ahead of the League opener at home to Liskeard Athletic on Saturday week.

Penzance: Will Trenoweth, Archie Reynolds (Ewan Trevains 60), James Butler (Mark Vercesi 60), Josh Turner (Rohan Bennetts 60), Josh Magin (George Molcher 77), Sam Young (Hayden Waters 60), George Molcher (Ollie Butler 46), Ewan Trevains (Jacob Trudgeon 46), Charlie Young (Brook Williams 77), Brook Williams (Wade Brown 46), Silas Sullivan (Kam Collins 60)

St Blazey: Kyle Moore, Will Tinsley, Tom Cavanagh, Jordan Bentley, Tom Strike, Charlie Hambly, Sam Clifton, Zephan Grigg, Harry Probyn, Tom Hensman, Noah Maund.

Subs: Ronnie Reynolds, Charlie Menear, Harry Blows, Ryan Oxley, Mac Dewsnap, Sam Ward

Referee: Tim Burley

Assistants: Alan Hoon, Tony Bilsland

Attendance: 101

Cover photo courtesy of Jessie Neilson.