WADEBRIDGE TOWN 1 V PENRYN ATHLETIC 2
LOOKING down from the lofty heights of third place in the Carlsberg SWL, it might be difficult to remember that just a few months ago Penryn Athletic were fighting to avoid the re-election places.
But that's now the case for the Kernick Road club who toppled the day's league leaders Wadebridge Town on their own patch to win their third game in four starts.
It took Athletic just seconds to go in front from a stunning free kick. Jamie Thirkle was taken down on the edge of the box and before the Bridgers knew what had hit them, Thirkle had slipped the ball to Matt Drummond who backheeled it into the path of Karl Tuner who left Mark Bruce helpless with a terrific shot that went in off the post.
The goal shook Wadebridge and they upped their game to put Athletic on the backfoot, but goalkeeper Chris Symons again performed well as he dealt competently with everything that came his way.
Pressure was intense as Athletic's makeshift defence tried to cope with the non-stop onslaught, but unlike last season they did not cave in and defended resolutely to frustrate the home side.
Athletic could have had a good shout for a penalty when Dave Wilkinson was brought down, but on the half-hour they extended their lead when Steve Jewell put Wilkinson racing away up the flank. He crossed to the far post where Turner managed to knock it back into the path of Thirkle who made no mistake from close range to thump the ball into the net.
After being under pressure Athletic finished the half well on top with Wilkinson shooting wide when well placed and then hitting another shot high and wide after being put in by Drummond.
The second half was a much more even affair with the game box to box. Drummond almost snapped up a third but was denied by Bruce's legs and Adam Holland did well to stop Insley in the six-yard box.
The game began to open up with Symons diving full length to deny Haplin and Bruce beating out a well-struck shot by Turner.
With five minutes to go Wadebridge pulled a goal back when Tom Hutley's 30-yard screamer flew into the net to give Symons no chance, but despite a few goalmouth scrambles Athletic survived and were able to reflect on a memorable victory.
On Saturday Athletic are away to bottom club Callington Town, kick-off 2.30 pm.
Athletic: C Symons, S Jewell, R Avery, Holland, N Kennedy, S Allen, J Thirkle, M Drummond, D Wilkinson, A Trudgian, and K Turner. Subs: D Mulready, S D'Cotta, and N Bennett, J Dent.
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