PENZANCE 2, TEIGNMOUTH 0

Penzance won through to a second semi-final of what is evolving into a stellar season writes James Wright. Having already booked a place in the last four of the Cornwall Senior Cup, Mark Vercesi’s team continued their dogged defence of the Walter C Parson Peninsula League Cup with a perfunctory win over Teignmouth in front a large crowd at Penlee Park. 

The visitors did their prospects of upsetting the Cup holders no good by having two players sent-off. Whilst Penzance scored both their goals whilst the Devonians still had a full complement, the numerical disadvantage massively hampered any prospect of a come-back. 

Vercesi made just one change to the team that had beaten Holsworthy seven days earlier, Wade Brown starting ahead of Jacob Trudgeon. With their match postponed, Reserve team top scorer Luke Carroll took the place of Kam Collins on the bench. And the Magpies were on the front foot from the off with Charlie Willis and Tyler Tonkin both going close. 

Sean Ayre was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for raising his hands to Willis. But the Teignmouth player’s luck ran out when he was forced to retire injured in the 20th minute. With his side still regrouping, Penzance struck their first blow, a centre from the right by Ewan Trevains worming its way to Silas Sullivan to convert at the far post.

A visionary pass sprayed wide by Vercesi put Trevains clear again in the 35th minute. The latter played in George Molcher whose excellent centre was gleefully prodded home from just inches out by Brown. A fine team goal that the home side in the box seat.

Zak Khadaroo flashed a shot just over the bar as Teignmouth threatened an immediate response, but their hopes took a massive hit when Jo Sibal, deemed “last man”, was red-carded for fouling Brown during nine minutes of first half injury time. Teignmouth’s ranks were further depleted midway through the second half when Khadaroo followed, for a second booking. With nine men, they never threatened to make inroads into the deficit. All Penzance had to do was keep their heads and the ball, which they did competently. Charlie Young had a shot saved by Chris Wearing and Carroll fired wide in the closing stages, but in truth the second half was something of a non-event.

“We’ve got to be better with our attitude and mentality towards putting teams to bed,” conceded Vercesi. “First half I thought we were brilliant. The wing-backs were fantastic, holding up play for Wadey and Youngie up top, and Charlie Willis was tremendous. I don’t think Will had a save to make at all. The game was like that – it was totally at their end of the pitch for ninety minutes. Credit to them for carrying on going with nine men and making it difficult for us, but we need to be better when it is eleven against nine.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ViczkPcFw4

Watch the full interview with player/manager, Mark Vercesi, following The Magpie’s 2-0 win in the League Cup Quarter-Final.

Whilst the semi-final draw has been made, it is as yet as clear as the mud that has been the story of this soggy season. The Magpies will play either Stoke Gabriel, Cullompton or Elburton at a neutral venue (most likely somewhere in East Cornwall) on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th March. 

Penzance: Will Trenoweth, Ewan Trevains, Ben Palmer (Rohan Bennetts 80), Silas Sullivan (Hayden Waters 72), Mark Vercesi, Tyler Tonkin (captain), George Molcher (Sam Young 60), Wade Brown, Charlie Willis, Charlie Young (Jacob Trudgeon 60), Lewis Caspall (Luke Carroll 80)

Teignmouth: Chris Wearing, Owen Hanks, Ryan Tresidder (captain), Jo Sibal, Scott Baxter, Jake Smith, Zak Khadaroo, Morgan Green, George Mulford, Sean Ayre, Leon Aggett. Brad Breslan, Harry Breslan, Jamie Davenport, Isaac Reed, Freddie Hulance

Referee: Dale England

Assistants: Barry Raiker, Paul Barker

Attendance: 238

Cover photo once again is courtesy of Sport in Cornwall by Steve Winters Photography.

You can see more photos of this game and other cracking photos on Steve's Facebook page - Sport in Cornwall by Steve Winters Photography