Two goals in the first ten minutes built for Penzance a platform that was just solid enough to withstand a second half wobble and allow them to emerge victorious from a hugely entertaining late season encounter at Penlee Park.
Leigh Isaacs fished his keeper’s gloves out of the cupboard after an 18 month break from senior football, releasing Kam Collins to move back outfield after bravely deputising for Will Trenoweth against Launceston. With the spine of the midfield reinforced, the Magpies rediscovered their wings and flew into a fourth minute lead, Jacob Trudgeon nodding home a Darryl Richards cross from the right.
The goal edged Trudgeon to the top of Penzance’s scoring chart for the season. For about four minutes. Then Tyler Tonkin ran on to a visionary long channel pass from Liam Andrew, knocking the ball past Rob Rosevear and walking it into an empty net to move back level on eight strikes.
Whilst the first two names on the scoresheet were regulars, the next was a complete newbie. After making an impressive debut as a substitute against Launceston, Adam Lewis was rewarded with a start in place of unavailable Ollie Butler, and seized the opportunity with gusto, running on to a Richards pass to assuredly slot home the third goal early in the second half.
No one at Penlee Park was under any delusion that this was “game over”, and sure enough Wadebridge, making light of the absences of captain Sam Gerken and lethal striker Matt Lloyd, hit back. Jacob Smale despatched a smart shot on the turn past Isaacs. Then Jacob Rowe ran on to an incisive through ball from James Hamson to jink past the keeper and slim the deficit to the slenderest of margins.
But, thanks to some courageous defending, dogged hold-up play from lone outlet Michael Fitchett (a substitute for Lewis), and raucous encouragement from the Jimmy Dann Stand, the Magpies flapped their way over the line. “That was a fantastic performance from the boys,” beamed proud manager Ashley Waters. “Work rate, desire, passion - and we got a reaction from the disappointment of Launceston. I have to mention Mark Vercesi who was outstanding tonight -- his defending was a masterclass. I must also thank the supporters who once again carried us through to the end.”
Penzance: Leigh Isaacs, Archie Reynolds, James Butler, Mark Vercesi, Liam Andrew, Adam Lewis (Michael Fitchett 57), Jacob Trudgeon, Kam Collins, Darryl Richards, Tyler Tonkin (Gareth Ireson-Ward 79), Charlie Willis (Ewan Trevains 58). Unused subs: Alfie Turner, Charlie Palmer
Wadebridge: Rob Rosevear, Tom Harris, Sam Hepworth, Brad Rowe, Sam Wickins, Noah Holmes (Haiden Chapman 66), Jude Tripconey (Kyle Flew 60), James Hamson, Jacob Rowe, Morgan Vallejo, Jacob Smale. Unused subs: Chris Reski, Steve Simmonds
Referee: Paul Kempen
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