RNAS Culdrose caused an upset in the Jolly’s Combination League when they beat high-flying Penzance in windy conditions.

The airmen had to battle against strong winds in the first-half but, with the elements in the favour during the second-half a solitary strike from Chris Morris was enough to earn them a valuable three points.

The game looked in jeopardy late on Saturday morning when Culdrose found their first-team pitch was water-logged. Thankfully the seconds team’s pitch was available and in better condition allowing both sides to battle it out.

Penzance won the toss and elected to play the first-half with the wind in their favour in a bid to build up a commanding lead. It started well as Culdrose were almost behind after three minutes when a Magpies striker struck the base of the post. However, the home side then settled and got used to a new 4-4-2 formation which was introduced to stop Penzance utilising the flanks and getting crosses into the box.

Both sides were finding it hard to play football in the conditions with any ball being played in the air just losing control completely and either coming back into the players face or swirling wildly off target. However, Jamie Thompson was able to threaten the visitors goal on ten minutes but unfortunately his shot from the edge of the area was well tipped over the crossbar by the visiting keeper. Penzance then began to press, looking for a goal but Culdrose experienced defenders remained strong helped by some tough tackling from the central midfielders playing infront of them.

The only chance the Magpies got came on the stroke of half-time as a shot from the edge of the box produced a cracking save from Chris Brown in the home goal.

The Culdrose players came out in the second-half looking to take the game to the opposition with the wind in their favour. They did just that defending from the front and running at the opposition wherever possible. They were guilty on a few occasions of being caught offside but then midway through the half they got their breakthrough.

A through-ball from Matt Thirkle found Chirs Morris who slotted the ball under the keeper from the edge of the area.

Penzance then tried to get back into the match but, with the wind strength picking up, they found it very difficult. Added to that RNAS Culdrose’s manager brought on the lively Eric Young from the bench and he began causing problems for the Magpies’ back line with his pace.

Three of four more chances fell the way of the home side with Ross Taylor having two efforts saved and Thompson hitting another chance over the bar.

However, having conceded a late goal last week to Wendron, Culdrose we cautious of repeating the same feat when the match reached it closing stages. They began to take the ball into the corners and keep possession. However, with one last attack Penzance broke down the centre of the pitch in the sixth minute of injury time.

The ball went into the box. With the wind swirling about one-touch could have sent in anywhere but a cool, controlled clearance by the Culdrose sweeper was just what was needed as Penzance attackers tried to close him down.