WENDRON UNITED THIRDS 0, PENZANCE RESERVES 2

A workmanlike win for the Magpies was spoiled by an injury to Lewis Hitchens in the closing stages of a match played on the Banana Pitch at Wendron’s Underlane ground writes James Wright. The defender suffered a suspected dislocated knee and, as a result, must be doubtful for the eagerly awaited George Evely Cup final against Dropship next month.

Otherwise, it was a pretty good afternoon for the Reserves. They threatened as early as the second minute when home keeper rushed off his line to deny Victor Mullaly – played in by Oakley Clary-Brom. Luke Carroll, running on to a Kizzy Snowden through ball, was also thwarted by a good save, whilst Asa Donaldson smashed a volley just wide. The deserved break-through came just before half-time when, from inside his own half, captain Ryan Wilkinson rifled a thunderous free-kick over the keeper, by this time hampered by injury, and under the crossbar.

Magpies win on the Banana Pitch with a first half screamer from Ryan Wilkinson (pictured)

and a Luke Carroll strike near the end.

Forward Lee Smith took over in goal for Dron for the second half, but it was his opposite number – Harvey Parsons – who was first called into action, making a smart low save to deny D’Arcy Knibb. Thereafter, it was all Penzance again. Great work by Ben Strevens fashioned an opening for Hitchens, then Mullaly found himself in on goal, but on both occasions the stand-in keeper saved well.

The enforced withdrawal of Hitchens, eleven minutes from time, gave an opportunity to Logan Trevains to make his first appearance since suffering a knee injury himself in pre-season. Within seconds of coming on, the substitute released Mullaly down the right. The latter squared for Carroll to rifle home his 28th goal of a hugely impressive campaign, and seal the win. 

“I am really pleased with the effort of the lads today on a tricky pitch and with limited numbers,” said Magpies manager Daz Smith. “A change in shape coupled with Wendron frustrating us for periods of the game meant we couldn't quite find the killer ball. I thought 16 year old Ben Strevens battled superbly today against a very physical midfield, and was a shining light for us. It was also great to have Logan play his first game since suffering a knee injury in preseason. Lewis sadly suffered a nasty looking injury, and we'll wait with our fingers crossed for some positive news, although it doesn't look good.”

Penzance: Harvey Parsons, Mark Sands, Lewis Hitchens (Logan Trevains 79), Ryan Wilkinson (captain), Ollie Page, Oakley Clary-Brom, Kizzy Snowden, Ben Strevens, Asa Donaldson, Luke Carroll, Victor Mullaly.

Unused subs: Freddie Sparkes, Henry Ramsay

Photos and Match Report courtesy of James Wright