MAGPIES SET CHELTENHAM CHALLENGE

Sunday March 9th 2008: South West League Premier Division - Penzance 2-0 Cullompton Rangers

Penzance completed their league fixtures, with a crucial 2-0 win at home to Cullompton Rangers, to potentially claim the South West League title. A crowd of around 100 gathered to see the Magpies victory, achieved with a soild performance and a brace in the last 18 minutes by substitute Rose Knuckey. The Magpies must now wait nervously to see if top spot can be stolen from them by Cheltenham Town, who must win their last three games and improve their goal-difference by thirteen in the process.
A tense first-half brought very few scoring opportunities at either end, with neither side beating the offside trap. When Sarah Mansfield was fouled, Amber Grose went close from the free-kick. Kat Dawe had the best chance of the half, but was unable to steer Grose's cross in, stretching at the far post. Cullompton did have the ball in the net but it was ruled offside.
After the break, Becky Hall had an effort well-gathered, having been set up by Dawe's excellent tackle and pass. The visitors sliced a great chance in front of goal, with the follow up held by Lyndsey Williams. Katie Barker slammed the ball against the angle and was off-target when put through by Sarah Mansfield. A great interception prevented Barker putting Knuckey through and the latter then shot wide when the pair combined smartly. On 72 minutes, Julie Lawrence won a free-kick 30 yards out, which Grose slipped wide to Dani Small and her center was placed in the corner of the net by Knuckey, for a well-worked goal. Grose forced a save, Amy Hemingway and Barker combined to give Mansfield a chance but she was wide of the near post. Mansfield shot at the keeper after some players stopped as the referee over-ruled his assistant's flag for offside. The decisive second goal came on 81 minutes, Hemingway's ball over the top saw Barker storm into the box and slide the ball across for Knuckey to tuck away at the far post. The final chance was brought about by Mansfield's timely tackle and Knuckey's ball to Grose, who was wide of the target. Great work on the left by Grose produced a chance for Julie Lawrence which was scuffed wide of the far post.
The Magpies next scheduled game is against Newquay in the Cornwall Cup Final on Weds April 9th (venue tba).
Meanwhile, Jaipur Cornwall Division 3 champions, Penzance Reserves complete their league fixtures this Sunday, at home to Holmans. Kick-off at Penlee Park is 2.30pm.
Penzance: Williams; Hemingway, B.Lawrence, Hurworth. Small (Bateman, 86); Dawe (Barker, 57), Boyd, J.Lawrence, Grose; Hall (Knuckey, 67), Mansfield.