The home side will fairly claim that their energy levels were reduced following the exertions of their 120 minute Cup Final played less than 48 hours before. However, that should in no way detract from Callington’s excellent performance and well-executed game plan, which saw them come away with a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw.

The away side set up to contain Buckland’s extensive attacking threat and hit them on the break with two pacey forwards in the shape of Kat Marment and Eleri Griffiths. The plan worked perfectly in the opening 20 minutes with Buckland unable to find an answer to Callington’s compact midfield and defensive unit. Then on 25 minutes, Town took the lead when Amy Hemingway played a ball into the channel for Kat Marment and the rapid forward teed up her strike partner Griffiths for a close-range finish.

Town continued to restrict space in behind and their only concern came when Buckland twice headed narrowly over the cross-bar from corner kicks. With 10 minutes on the clock before half-time, Marment managed to double Callington’s lead. She raced onto a great pass from Stacey Derrick, before expertly slotting the ball low into the far corner.

The second half saw an increase in pressure from the home side who looked determined not to end their league campaign with a home loss. The pressure told when Helen Kukor was brought down wide of the goal from 30 yards. Hayley Chamberlain’s dead ball was headed clear by Tyler Matthews but it came back into the danger area and cannoned around in a crowded six yard box before Laura Gough stabbed the ball in from a yard out. The linesman flagged for offside but despite a lengthy conversation with the assistant, the referee then over-ruled the call and allowed the goal to stand.

The home side had their tails up and threw bodies forward once more. Then moments later they drew level. A corner was headed back into the mix by Kukor and quickest to react was Gough once again, this time heading in from a couple of yards out.

Callington regained their composure and could have taken the lead when Jodie Shipton headed two corners just wide of the goal. Marment also ran clear on Buckland’s goal but her shot was well saved by Abi Bond. Soon after, Shipton then played in Marment and this time her shot flew inches over the bar. At the other end, Town were defending well but could have conceded when Kukor headed over the bar from six yards. Sara Rowe also saved well to deny Kirsty Caunter late on.

In the end, both sides seemed relived with the draw on a warm and sunny afternoon.

After the match Town Manager Adam McPherson said: “We had a plan and it almost got us all three points. Every player stuck to their job for the whole game and we were proud of the effort our players put in against one of the best side’s in the South West. We can take great confidence in that we’ve managed to get a result, which no side has really been able to against them this season.”

Callington now have a break in fixtures for Easter weekend and then return to action away to Newquay in their penultimate league game of the season. Callington will need to rely on a favour from Activate against Alphington if their chances of a Runner’s Up spot are to be kept alive.

PHOTO - After the match Callington clapped off their opponents in honour of their excellent season, winning a league and cup double (so far).