PENZANCE 4, WADEBRIDGE TOWN 1

A strong second half performance saw Penzance record a sixth straight victory of 2026, consolidating third place in table writes James Wright. Man of the Match was captain Silas Sullivan with two goals after the break as the Magpies flew free after an even first 45 minutes.

Wadebridge’s afternoon started badly when goalkeeper Steve Raven dislocated a finger during the warm-up. Manager Tom Harris was forced to start the match with defender Ed Bowers temporarily donning the gloves until the strapped up keeper took his rightful place five minutes in. Penzance was soon ahead though, an easy-on-the-eye move down the left being finished off tidily by George Molcher.

The Magpies thought they had a second just minutes later. Charlie Willis and Andreas Calleja-Stayne – on his debut having re-joined the club – linked up down the right to set up Wade Brown for a tap-in, but an offside flag curtailed the celebrations. Penzance then lost commanding central defender Ben Palmer to a groin injury. The Bridgers capitalised and hit back strongly. Mark Vercesi bravely blocked a Kyle Flew shot, but his side were pegged back to level terms when Sonny Dover’s deft lob, from an excellent Brad Rowe cross, deceived Will Trenoweth.

A stroke of good fortune immediately after the restart turned the momentum back in Penzance’s favour, a Sullivan shot taking a heavy deflection and creeping inside Raven’s far post. The vice-captain then chalked his second of the game, his neck muscles generating astonishing power to divert a cross from the right with a text book header from the edge of the penalty box.

Two goals from Silas Sullivan propel the Magpies to Victory.

Hayden Waters, Palmer’s first half replacement, threatened a fourth when cutting in from the left flank, but his shot with his less favoured right foot was saved. At the other end, Dan O’Hara dipped an effort just over when well placed. The scoring was concluded by Jacob Trudgeon, a half-time substitute for Brown, who bundled the ball over the line from close range after Lewis Caspall’s low centre had been deflected into his path.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS1Frzgfmms

James Wright speaks to Mark Vercesi following a great 4-1 win for The Magpies this afternoon.

Penzance: Will Trenoweth, Ewan Trevains, Ben Palmer, Silas Sullivan, Mark Vercesi, Tyler Tonkin (captain), George Molcher, Andreas Calleja-Stayne, Charlie Willis, Wade Brown, Lewis Caspall.

Unused sub: Josh Turner

Wadebridge: Tom Harris (Steve Raven 5), Ed Bowers, Harvey Taylor, Brad Rowe (Matt Sanders 80), James Baker (Matt Lloyd 88), Dan O’Hara, Louis Taylor, Tom McLacklan, Kyle Flew, Sonny Dover, James McNary (Isaac Vargas 67)

Referee: Darren Gay

Assistants: Alan Hoon, Justin Moses

Attendance: 168

Cover photo courtesy of Dave Deacon @Cornishfootball