Semi finals here we come...
Today our lads made the trip to a wet St Keverne in the quarter final of the Percy Stephens Cup looking to grab a spot in the last 4 of the competition - Writes Penzance Reserves Joint Manager Daz Smith...
Playing against a well organised St Keverne team who have beaten teams from the Premier Trelawny league already this season, we knew we had to be at our best to have any chance of progressing to the semis.
With Harvey back from his break, Josh Whitburn back after a family event and Dylan fully recovered from illness, we were almost at full strength. However we were missing a couple of notable faces in the shape of Ben Reeve, who failed a late fitness test whilst Matty was off on international duty for England.
The first half began as both teams were feeling their way into the tie, with no one creating any clear cut chances.
Our passing wasn't quite there as we struggled to find any rhythm partly due to a bobbly sloping pitch but also due to a bit of nerves.
Murley wasn't really being tested as we knew they were a big team who would likely use set plays to their advantage.
Our defense was standing strong with an average age of just 18 as Dayus Reevesy and Lewis were protecting Murleys goal with tremendous grit and determination.
Meanwhile at the other end, playing up the hill was proving to be hard as their big quick defense wasn't giving much away, as we struggled to create a clear cut chance.
So going in at halftime at nil nil was probably a fair scoreline...
Our half time team talk consisted of reassurance really. We know we can create chances, it was just about having patience and not forcing the play.
Keep the ball moving whilst looking after it in possession...
The second half began with us looking to feed our attacking 3 of Smith, Kizzy and Harvey and utilise their pace whilst creating one on ones whenever possible.
Joel was looking to get on the ball a little deeper and influence the play in the central areas whilst rolling back the years.
With our Reserves growing in confidence and St Keverne struggling to get anywhere near our goal a slight reshuffle saw Smith move into cm ,whilst Haider moved out to the wing.
Shortly after the reshuffle, Smith picked the ball up on the halfway line before slotting Kizzy in behind. Kizzy raced clear and looked to curl one into the far corner.
The keeper only managed to parry Kizzys effort and the loose ball was pounced on by Harvey who tapped home grabbing us the lead.
Moments later another through ball , this time from the impressive Joel saw Kizzy again race clear. This time Kizzy opted to take the ball around the St Keverne keeper and slot home from a tight angle giving us a neve settling 2 nil cushion.
With the second goal going in, it forced St Kevernes hand and they now had to go for it , which in turn left holes defensively as we looked so dangerous on the attack.
Joel was off to be replaced by Josh to secure the game whilst late injuries to Haider and Lewis meant Connor and Dylan were on looking to impress.
Late efforts for Dylan and Kizzy were not taken however the game was done.
Murley was forced into late save at the near post but ultimately St Keverne never really threatened our goal.
The final whistle blew capping another clean sheet and a determined performance from the lads, which sees our impressive run continue. 11 games unbeaten, a clean sheet, and a cup semi final to look forward to!
MOTM today has to go to Joel , who thrived today in a physical battle , and linked the midfield and forwards whenever possible! Top drawer Joel!
Finally , a massive shout out to the travelling supporters today! To see the support these lads are getting means so much and being applauded off the pitch at the end really means the world to them!
So thank you for that , it's really appreciated!
Ft Result: St Keverne 0-2 Penzance Reserves
Goal scorers: Harvey Kizzy
MOTM:
Joel
Fingers crossed for the semi final draw...
COYM
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