PENZANCE RESERVES 4, WEST CORNWALL 1

Penzance consolidated second place in the table behind runaway leaders Dropship, pulling five points clear of third placed neighbours Newlyn Non-Athletico by virtue of a workmanlike victory over West Cornwall at Penlee Park writes James Wright.

On a chilly afternoon, the visitors were first to threaten with Harvey Parsons accomplishing a tidy save from former Magpie Robertas Samnauskas. His opposite number, Callum Richards, was called into action at the other end to bravely dive at the feet of Victor Mullaly and prevent the home striker added adding to impressive goals tally. Daz Smith’s side though were not to be denied long though and took the lead with a bizarre 24th minute goal when Elliott Carveth’s free-kick from wide on the right found its way past Richards, distracted by the presence of home defender Lewis Hitchens.

The lead was doubled in very similar circumstances, albeit from the opposite flank. Mullaly got in front of the defence for a low Kizzy Snowden corner that somehow found its way into the net without anyone else getting a touch.

Ben Dawe had an excellent chance to claw West Cornwall back into contention ten minutes before the break, but skewed his shot wide in front of a gaping goal. And his side were made to pay when Penzance pulled three clear early in the second half when captain Ryan Wilkinson headed home a corner precisely delivered by former Praze team-mate Carveth.

West Cornwall hit back with Dawe demonstrating text book technique to cushion volley past Parsons from fifteen yards out. But the final say went to Penzance with substitute Fin Sharp forcing the ball over the line from close range after Josh Turner’s well-struck free-kick had been only partially repelled. The Magpies thus completed a League double over their opponents, though West Cornwall will have a chance of revenge when the teams meet again in the Evely Cup in a fortnight’s time.

“We are delighted that we have got another three points on board, and that we’ve managed to finally utilise our set pieces, so buzzing for Elliot to grab himself a goal and an assist,” enthused Head Coach Henry Ramsay. “We’re getting to the point now where it’s all about consistency, and the boys are buying into what we are doing. It’s such a good moment to be a part of Penzance Reserves!

Penzance: Harvey Parsons, Ryan Wilkinson, Ashley Mead (Fin Harry 50), Elliott Carveth, Josh Turner, Mark Sands, Lewis Hitchens, Kizzy Snowden (captain), Kam Collins (Fin Sharp 60 , Victor Mullaly (Lewis Stephens 85), Luke Carroll (Matt Robinson 70).

Unused Sub: Connor Thomas

West Cornwall: Callum Richards (captain), Josh Harbage, Lee Chambers, Ryan Williams, James Davies, Mawgan Watts, James Blackburn, Charlie Pentecost, Robertas Samnauskas, Owain Barrett, Ben Dawe.

Rolling Subs: Josh Whitburn, Levi Leach, Charlie Mitchell

Referee: Tim Reeks

Attendance: 78

Cover photo courtesy of James Wright