MAGPIES TITLE HOPES DENTED
Sunday February 24th 2008
South West League Premier Division - Penzance 1-3 Cheltenham Town

Penzance slipped to their first league defeat of the season, losing 3-1 to a strong Cheltenham Town.side. Damage was done to their South West League title hopes in the opening 10 minutes, as the visitors began strongly and took a tenth minute lead, with a shot back across Lyndsey Williams going just inside the post. From a great Katy Barker run and cross, Rose Knuckey was in a great position to equalise but got under it as the ball cleared the bar. Williams made a spectacular save, tipping a drive round the post, the visitors then going just wide of the other upright. Clare Boyd sliced well wide from Amber Grose's header and when Rose Knuckey broke into the box, her effort was turned onto the post. Dani Small made a sharp and vital interception, Williams collected an attempted chip, whilst the home goal also survived Emma Hurworth's ball across the back being cut out. Barker's delivery, this time from a corner, again presented penzance with a clear chance to score but Grose was wide of the back post. The half ended with Williams claiming a smart shot on the turn.
Barker had a shot turned round the post early in the second-half, before the Magpies pulled level on 47 minutes, Knuckey forcing the ball home after Barker's corner. But within seconds, Becki Lawrence was adjudged to have brought down a forward in the box and Cheltenham were straight back in front, despite Williams diving to get a hand on the penalty. Becky Hall had a chance to level smothered by the keeper but Williams was left exposed in the 76th minute, as Penzance went for broke and again got a hand on the shot but couldn't keep it out. Dawn Bateman was able to carry on despite a bloody nose and black eye received in a aerial collision and Williams took a knock as a forward followed through on a challenge for a loose ball. Becki Lawrence put in a brilliant tackle and when Grose fed Barker, her shot was lashed high and wide.
The University of Bristol did Penzance a big favour by defeating other title challengers Cullompton 1-0. Penzance now play the return game at Cheltenham this Sunday, their penultimate league fixture of the campaign.
Penzance: Williams; Hemingway (Bateman, 65), B.Lawrence, Bateman, Small; Barker, Boyd, J.Lawrence, Grose; Knuckey, Hall (Dawe, 80).