Boosted by the inclusion of first team player-manager Mark Vercesi and captain Tyler Tonkin, Penzance Reserves pushed strongly fancied Dropship all the way in an entertaining Evely Cup tie under the Penlee Park lights.
The Magpies rocked the Division Two leaders with a splendid early goal. A Joe Gordon shot was deflected wide and the resultant corner was cleared only as far as TJay Price who ripped home a superb shot from twenty yards out. Kizzie Snowden and Lewis Caspall both went close before Dropship equalised against the run of play, ex-Mullion striker Dan Stidwell squeezing a shot just inside Adrian Murley's near post.
With a towering header from a free kick, Rhys Allen signalled Dropship's intent seconds after the restart. That strike was ruled out for a push, but there was no reprieve for the home side when Tyler Precott tickled a Finn Thompson centre over the line midway through the half. The Magpies resumed their onslaught, enjoying a string of good chances. From the best, Ben Penna pulled off a stunning save from Caspall to enable the Cornwall Junior Cup holders to progress.
“For the second game on the trot, we left Penlee frustrated,” rued Penzance joint manager Daz Smith. “In quite a well-balanced tie, I felt we created some good chances whilst also limiting Dropship. Taking the lead thanks to a TJay wonder strike was deserved in my opinion as we played some very good football. Coming in at half-time at 1-1, and thanks to some inspirational words from Cheesy, we honestly felt we could get something. It was just about how much we wanted it. Unfortunately Dropship did grab a winner, but our attitude and work rate were top drawer. The communication was there and everyone worked their socks off. For me, we did everything apart from win.”
Penzance: Adrian Murley, Lewis Hitchens, Josh Reeves, Tyler Tonkin, Mark Vercesi, TJay Price, Ewan Trevains, Sam Payne (Adam Lewis 81), Lewis Caspall, Kizzie Snowden, Joe Gordon. Unused subs: Henry Ramsay, Fin Sharp, Freddie Neaum, Steve Miller
Dropship: Ben Penna, Rhy Allen, Finn Thompson, Harry Hounsome, Toby Webb, Ryan Caddy, Paul Robertson, Liam Chinn, Tyler Prescott, Connor Hurrell, Dan Stidwell. Subs: George Gaylard, Mason Taylor, James Hicks, Lucas Moses, David Webb
Referee: Thomas Milburn
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