Torpoint Athletic 3rds 4 v 3 St Minver 1sts

Season finishes on a low but we must not forget all the highs in a brilliant season finishing as runners up in our first season in the Premier League

At kick off we needed St Mawgan to do us a favour at Looe and we needed to beat Torpoint and the title would be ours.

And for the first 25 minutes everything was going very well for us. After a quick start we took a deserved lead on 17 minutes when Robbie Green broke free on our right and riffled a shot past the keeper at his near post.

On 25 minutes Steve Wootton scored an absolute worldy as he collected a ball over the top and fired an unstoppable scissor volley over the keeper with the ball dipping beautifully under the bar. 2-0 up and St Mawgan were currently 1-0 up at Looe.

We unfortunately were unable to capitalise further in the 1st half and as half time approach Torpoint were awarded a lifeline when they won a penalty and experienced player Mike Roberts converted for 2-1 at half time. At the same time we learnt that Looe had come back and were 2-1 up at half time. If both results stood we would be runners up. We needed a solid 2nd half and for St Mawgan to fight back, not an ideal outcome at a rampant Looe.

Half time: Torpoint Athletic 3rds 1 - 2 St Minver 1sts

We chatted at half time of how we needed to capitalise on our strengths and keep doing the right things.

Unfortunately we didn't get going in the 2nd half and Torpoint adjusted their tactics better than we did. From a free kick the experienced Justin Norman rose very well and headed an unstoppable one from the edge of the box in to the top right corner.

We also heard that Looe were on fire and were now leading 6-1.

Then on 70 minutes the game ending event happended whena long ball was lumped forward cutting out our defence and the Torpoint striker was through on goal. The bounce confused Chris Andrews and whilst he knocked the ball away from the striker he caught the players leg with his hand and the inevitable penalty and sending off was awarded.

Mike Roberts made no mistake against stand in keeper Dan Colwill for 3-2 to Torpoint.

The severity of the situation was understood by the players and we picked our game intensity up. Almost immediately Robbie Green met a far post cross and finished brilliantly with a downward header for 3-3.

Unfortunately with a man down we couldn't contain the experienced Torpoint side and they managed to grab a winner when a lucky bounce fell for them in the box and they finished for 4-3.

Full time: Torpoint Athletic 3rds 4 - 3 St Minver 1sts

The final whistle went and we heard Looe had won 7-2 and the disappointment was felt by all. After a very long and successful season it was such a shame that 1 very minor paperwork administration error cost us the title :-( You could tell before the game that the players knew Looe would not slip up against already relegated St Mawgan and this definitely had a bearing on their mind set today.

So many positives to be taken from this season with an unbeaten league run before today reaching back to 17th October, runners up in the Premier Division in our first season, runners up in the Knockout Cup and semi finalists in the Junior Cup. All with a very young team playing some fantastic football which has been a pleasure to be involved with.

I would like to pass on a massive thanks to all the players, coaching staff, supporters and committee for contributing to a truly amazing season. Thank you all and now onwards to next season :-)

Congratulations to Looe on a hard won fight as they battled to the end pulling off some excellent late recoveries in games and deservedly lifting the title.

Starting XI: Chris Andrews, Daniel Cox, Dayll Beesley (c), Sam Cleave, Ed Green, Ben Beesley, Matthew Cleave, Ted Meagor, Robbie Green, Steve Wootton, Corey Cleave

Subs: Callum Wilson, Dan Colwill, James Heywood, Dan Witts

Sharps Brewery Man of the Match: Robbie Green