On the run in to the end of a successful season, the last thing you need as the points become precious is a depleted squad, but unfortunately that is what we found ourself with on Saturday as a number of key players were away with various commitments. Add to that some injuries to key players and it was a struggle to get a team together to face opponents who had nothing to lose and could play in a relaxed fashion, whilst we could not afford to drop our guard.

Those that were available, after a shaky start, put in a massive battling team performance showing great character to come from behind and win with what should have been a far more convincing scoreline. Add to that 2 goals conceded that you would have been frustrated at in kids football and in the end the score could of been our most impressive this season.

This was the fourth time we had faced Biscovey this season, having won all 3 previous encounters without conceeding. We won at theirs in the league 6-0, followed the next week by a 4-0 victory in the Junior Cup and more recently winning 1-0 in the semi final of the KMD Developments Knock Out Cup.

Biscovey arrived with a bare 11 man squad which meant we were required to provide both linesman. Massive thank you to the lads that helped out to make the game possible, as without linesmen the game would not have been able to be played.

We struggled to rise to our high standards in the first 20 minutes and fell behind 1-0 when a lovely lob from the Biscovey player flew over Chris Andrews in to the top corner. An unstoppable shot and our first goal conceded against Biscovey in 4 games.

You could feel the nervous tension as Biscovey could now afford to sit back and invite us on. Especially as we were not playing well at this point, it felt a little ominous.

But quality does not disappoint and the first time we managed to work the ball wide on the right Corey Cleave cut in and played a great cross, it was played back in the danger area ad finished off well by Ryan Pooley for 1-1.

5 minutes later we were on the attack again and Callum Wilson received the ball inside the box and as he ran forwards he was brought to the ground and adjudged by the ref to be a penalty.

Corey Cleave stepped up and finished well from the spot for 2-1 sending he keeper the wrong way.

Half time: St Minver 1sts 2 - 1 Biscovey

We had a good chat at half time about how we needed to focus in the 2nd half and we made a few tactical changes to try and maximise our chances of winning. To our credit, the boys came out with a much better attitude in the 2nd half.

On 51 minutes a beautiful team goal was scored. Robbie Green who had moved out to the right ran with power, pace and purpose down the right wing. After beating his man he cut the ball back to Ben Beesley, who fed the ball inside to Man of the Match Steve Wootton, who let fly with a beauty from outside the box which whistled across the top of the turf in to the bottom right corner and 3-1 up. The joy and importance of this goal can be seen in this photo.

Just when we thought we had put the game out of reach a Biscovey attack resulted in both central defenders missing the ball and the striker finished well for 3-2.

We then went up the other end and were awarded a 2nd penalty with an unfortuanate handball awarded against the Biscovey defender, Corey Cleave stepped up again and calmly slotted home for 4-2.

Once again when the game should have been over a mix up at the back resulted in us handing the Biscovey striker his 2d gift of the afternoon for 4-3. Surely we couldn't throw our season away with a comedy of errors?

Never fear, the character of the team shone through again as we broke away and the ball broke for Corey Cleave to stroke home for his hat-trick and this time game, set and match.

Biscovey had battled very well with a scratch squad and no pressure on them. We had battled for the last hour with the need to secure 3 points and we had scored 5, missed a shed load, given away a few gifts, but most importantly secured 3 points with a depleted side. Great testament to all those involved and a massive 3 points and show of character in the end.

Full time: St Minver 1sts 5 - 3 Biscovey

Throughout the game Stuart Parkyn at centre back won just about every header as the ball was consistently punted in to his area. We wish Stuart well as he now prepares for his knee operation and we look forward to having him back for next season. Steve Wootton was immense throughout in the middle of midfield and Corey Cleave came alive coolly scoring 2 great pens and grabbing a 3rd for his hattrick. Young Ed Green came on early at left back and played with the maturity of a player well in advance of his years and is a real bright prospect for our future. Matthew Cleave came off the bench after being linesman for an hour+ and played really well down our right. All over the pitch the character of the team shone through.

Onwards to Lostwithiel at home next weekend and the return to a nearly full strength squad, with a 14:00 kick-off, as the 2nds play after us. Looking forwards we have North Petherwin at home on Wednesday 27th, Edgecumbe at home on Saturday 30th and then the final of the KMD Developments Knockout Cup on Monday 2nd May at Lux Park, Liskeard with an 18:00 kick off against the winners of St Dennis and Callington. We then finish our season with away trips to Saltash and Torpoint on consecutive Saturdays.

Starting XI: Chris Andrews, Daniel Cox, Dayll Beesley (c), Stuart Parkyn, Dan Colwill, Ben Beesley, Steve Wootton, Corey Cleave, Robbie Green, Callum Wilson, Ryan Pooley

Subs: Ed Green, Matthew Cleave

Sharps Brewery Man of the Match: Steve Wootton