PORTHLEVEN 2 WENDRON 1
ON a damp and windy afternoon Porthleven gained another three Whirlwind Sports Falmouth-Helston League division one points with this 2-1 defeat of third place Wendron.
Port had most of the game and the better of the chances, but the young Wendron side were always dangerous on the break.
Managers Kevin Richards and John Laity made five changes for this game and the players went out with a point to prove to those they had replaced.
From the kick off the game was played at great pace by both sides. It was Wendron who had the first chance but failed to take advantage of a good opening and then straight up to the other end Craig Firth went close with a snap shot.
With five minutes gone Paul Ainscough made a good run and shot from 20 yards but it hit the bar and went for a corner. From the corner Ashley Stidwell hit a great cross and Firth was first to react to volley into the net to put Port 1-0 up.
It was now all Port but they couldn't get the second goal that would of gained some breathing space. Headers from Steve Williams and Firth went close, then a quick break from Wendron saw a cracking shot just clear the bar.
This chance gave Wendron some more confidence and enjoyed their best period of the game, putting the Port team under pressure for the first time.
This was not in the script and Port re-asserted themselves for the last ten minutes of the half, and a half chance was missed by Craig Madge and two cracking shots from Stidwell and Ainscough brought terrific saves from a very confident Wendron goaleeper.
The first attack of the second half saw a good penalty claim turned down for Port , but the pressure told and a stunning volley by Madge, who had a fine, game flew into the goal after Ainscough and Stidwell worked a fine move with Stidwell crossing well.
Now looking to get a third to kill the game Port knocked the ball round well, but Wendron worked just as hard and they deservedly got back into the game when a well-worked move saw a forward bought down in the box for David Toy to dispatch the resultant penalty.
This brought about a sustained effort by Wendron but they, too, were guilty at times of over-playing when in a good position to have a strike at goal.
In the 75th minute Stidwell hit a brilliant 30-yard strike, but again the bar came to Wendron's rescue.
With 10 minutes to go on came Ian James and Danny Williams and Williams was unlucky when the 'keeper made another great save from his shot and also saved the follow up from Madge.
Steve Williams nearly got a third when after some good inter-passing his shot grazed the bar.
It was a very tight game, but that was to be expected from two of the top sides, but Port are still capable of another gear and they will need that, and more to maintain the momentum.
There could also be good news for the club's promotion bid for the latter part of the season with Paddy Gardner looking to return to the side next month after a serious injury.
Porthleven are away to Falmouth Athletic in the Percy Stephens Cup on Saturday. Kick-off is 2 pm n Porthleven Football Club have been sponsored with a new playing strip and expressed their thanks to Gary Atkinson and Darren Chapman for their invaluable support for their local club and Keith Quinn of Pheonix Promotions for supplying the kit and the printing.
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