Mark Southcott testimonial match Gunnislake 3 Gunnislake ?Veterans? 3 GUNNISLAKE football club held a testimonial match for veteran player Mark Southcott on December 27. Mark celebrated his 40th birthday last June and still plays today having played for the club since his senior debut at just 14 years of age. The majority of the current squad plus others took on a ?veterans?, with a fluttering of younger players, side that included a number of Mark?s relatives. There were cameo appearances from Mark?s dad Bill and his Uncle Keith. Before the game Keith presented Mark with a silver tankard. In the main the first half was played at a fairly pedestrian pace and there were few goal mouth moments as the current squad scored a solitary goal through Clint Nash. Tom Barwill levelled matters direct from a corner in the second half and this ignited the game to a faster pace as matters, unsurprisingly with a number of Southcotts on the pitch, became much more competitive. Having played in his accustomed defensive position for the veterans, Mark Southcott switched teams and went up front. Instantly his presence caused panic in the veterans rearguard and Andy Wakem took advantage to score. On 70 minutes Mark himself fittingly scored when he slotted home from 12 yards. Into the final 10 minutes and the veterans, now with some 13 players on the field, threw numbers forward. Barwill reduced the arrears before, with the last kick of the game, Andy Southcott scored to level matters. Thanks to the many who came and supported the match and in particular to Kevin Lacey for refereeing proceedings. Gunnislake are away to Lanreath on Saturday 2.30 kick off. Duchy Premier league fixture.
