Saturday 8th November 2008

Perranwell - 1 - 2 - Perranporth - Jollys Cornwall Combination League

If Combination League football ever needed to promote its credentials then Saturday's top of the table clash provided it. There was little doubt about where the match of the day was and it certainly lived up to expectations as Perranporth gained the upper hand in the race for the title. Visiting assistant manager Steve Brown was quick to play down the long term consequences of this result and prior to the game Perranwell manager Dave Fisher also insisted that the outcome would by no means decide who wins this season's championship. And certainly on the back of this performance from two very good sides the race could well go right down to the wire. Saturday's result moved Perranporth three points clear of Perranwell, who slipped down to third following Illogan's 3 - 2 win over Falmouth Town reserves. It proved to be a real slog in atrocious weather conditions, but the swirling winds and showers only added to the entertainment in front of a 100 plus crowd. Referee Peter Grenfell allowed for a free flowing game and, while the St. Just official had to deal with the odd skirmish, he rarely had to intervene. Rusty Rowson scored the all important winner in the 63rd minute after the visitors had fallen behind to Steve Allen's first half strike. But after Dean Harris levelled matters in the 19th minute there was very little between the sides, although Perranporth did have goalkeeper Andy Butcher to thank for some excellent saves. "We're obviously delighted with the result," said Perranporth assistant manager Steve Brown. "Perranwell are a very good side so to come here at get all three points is very pleasing." And but for the heroics of Butcher in the Perranporth goal, Fisher felt his side were worthy of a point at least. He said "We created so many chances but their keeper was outstanding today. It's a disappointing result but we have to pick ourselves up for next week now. "There's still a long way to go and as I mentioned before the game the result of this game was never going to decide the league at this stage of the season." Perranwell made the best possible start when Allen flung himself into a diving header from six yards out after Butcher's save from Steve Brewer was pushed into his path. The visitors should have been level in the 14th minute when Justin Andrew fired over from 10 yards out. But Harris made sure five minutes later when he stooped low between two defenders to bravely head home Rowson's cross. Harris should have added a second goal minutes later when he directed his effort wide at the back post much to Perranwell's relief. Ian Gosling's expertise from dead ball situations caused Perranwell problems all afternoon and his pinpoint cross from the right deserved more when Harris failed to trouble Shane Easterbrooke with a 26th minute header. Andrew and Kayne Trevaskis both came close to scoring for the visitors, while at the other end Steve Brewer volleyed wide and John Blundell had three unsuccessful efforts in front of goal before half time. Butcher then produced two fine saves early in the second half. First he was almost caught off his line before back tracking to tip a Scott Kinge header over and then he pushed Mike Brewer's free kick on to the bar before Allen half volleyed wide from the re-bound. Perranwell's frustration was compounded when Rowson struck in the 63rd minute when he glanced his header past Easterbrooke from Ben Goldring's cross. The home side were fortunate not to fall further behind when Mike Cain over the bar on two occasions.

Source: West Briton


Saturday 15th November 2008

Perranporth - 4 - 0 - Portreath - Jollys Cornwall Combination League

Perranporth secured their fourth straight win in the league to maintain their place at the top of the table. Rob Stapleton, Dean Harris, Alex Arquati and Ian Gosling were all on target to consign Portreathto another away defeat. Portreath have now lost all seven games on their travels this season. Perranporth, on the other hand, continue to prove their title credentials after this latest victory. "Things are going really well for us at the moment and we've just got to keep digging in," said Perranporth player-manager Gosling. "We're really pleased with the way we're performing but their's still a long way to go and it's important that we keep focused." Stapleton gave Perranporth the lead after only five minutes when he rose highest in the box to head his side in front. The home side doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Harris provided a clinical finish after meeting Arquati's pass. And after anotherHarris effort was parried by the Portreath goalkeeper, Arquati made it 3 - 0 on the follow up. Gosling completed the scoring when he fired in off the post.

Source: West Briton