Cornish Guardian East Cornwall Premier League Cup Final
Foxhole Stars 3
Callington Town 4 (aet)
THIS game had everything. An incredible atmosphere from a large crowd, controversial decisions, a sending off, two streakers, seven goals, and a comeback that would have done the Premier League proud.
Foxhole were the firm favourites. Second in the league and having beaten Town in the two league games this season, they were in confident mood and deserved their lead on the half hour.
But Town came back at them and should have gone in level at the break. Chris Truscott managed to clear the bar from about two yards after Kevin Blatchford?s cross cannoned off it to his feet, then Blatchford saw his free kick on the edge of the area tipped over the bar by Chris May in the Star?s goal.
The second half saw Foxhole with the benefit of the slope and immediately increase their lead with a fine drive from the edge of the area.
It looked like the league champions would go on to record a comfortable victory as they laid siege to the Town goal. But a combination of great defending and poor finishing conspired to keep the score at 2-0 until the 80th minute when Blatchford finished his run on the right wing with an inswinging cross which eluded strikers, defenders, and keeper and it nestled into the far corner of the net.
Suddenly there was hope for the Callington but five minutes to go, defender Adam Reid was given his second yellow card and dismissed. But the effect of this decision by the referee spurred Callington. They went at their opponents with renewed vigour, determined to avenge their loss in the best way possible. On the stroke of 90 minutes they were awarded a free kick 20 yards out and Blatchford launched a deft shot which eluded May but found the net to send the Town support into raptures, and the game into extra time.
Callington were in top gear and soon were in front. Blatchford?s pinpoint cross found Truscott and the experienced striker made no mistake with his shot that beat May. Two minutes later he was again on hand to increase their lead with a short range tap in.
Foxhole got a goal back five minutes from the end but Callington held on for a dramatic and shock win to lift the cup for the second time in eight years.
Now they return to league action and the fight to avoid re-election with a tough trip to fellow strugglers Nanpean Rovers.