Port come from behind to win

PORTHLEVEN Reserves go into the New Year top of the Whirlwind Sports Falmouth-Helston League division one and with an undefeated record.

This victory meant so much to the players that they celebrated like they had already won the title. They were allowed their moment of glory, and then bought quickly down to earth by the management who reminded them that the season was only half way through and the real hard work now, was to maintain the position they had worked so hard for.

Mawnan, though, had not read the script, and for the first half they dominated play for long periods with Port only occasionally creating any thing of their own to relieve the pressure. However, Mawnan never really hurt the Fishermen in the vicinity of the goal and this was down to an excellent defence of Brooks, Yates and James.

Port's midfield also worked hard but were outmuscled on occasions and found it hard to supply good ball for the front two of Williams and Firth. In the first 20 minutes Mawnan were awarded many free-kicks by an over fussy referee and one produced a fine save from Steve De'ath in the 16th minute, but they were not to be denied and from a corner two minutes later Chris Pellow netted with a powerful header.

So for the second match on the trot Port had to come from behind and started to get their game together. But they found an equally resolute defence as their own who were unwilling to give away a goal.

Andy Mills and Ashley Stidwell started to get on top of their midfield opponents as the first half came to a close and with the introduction of Steve Williams on for Firth who had to come off with a badly injured hand, much to his reluctance, they got their reward when from a corner Stidwell cut into the box and hit an unstoppable shot for the equaliser.

One could see that the goal had breathed new life into the Port players as the second half got under way and they were a changed side as their renown passing game started to find gaps.

Pressure told in the 50th minute as a terrific passing movement between Stidwell, who had chased a long cross-field ball, fed it to Steve Williams who in turn laid it into Kyle Harvey's path. His cross found Danny Williams and he made no mistake with his follow up volley after the 'keeper made a brilliant save from his headed attempt. The third goal came five minutes later when skipper Andy Mills made a series of terrific challenges resulting in Gary Chambers' quick cross to Steve Williams and the leading goal scorer showed his talent volleying in after his first attempt was parried away by a great save.

Mawnan attempted to get back into the game and had a couple of good shots saved well by De'ath, but Port were not to be denied now. They even had a fourth goal disallowed by Dan Williams disallowed for offside.

It's Junior Cup this week for Port, attempting to reach the semi-final's away against Troon.