MAGPIES THREE WINS FROM CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunday February 17th 2008: South West League Premier Division - Penzance 4-0 Gloucester City

Penzance were 4-0 winners over Gloucester City, to move eight points clear at the top of the South West League Premier, having played two more games than second-placed Cullompton. There was plenty of action before the opening goal on 11 minutes, Sarah Mansfield saw her effort cleared, Rose Knuckey scuffed her shot when through, Julie Lawrence mis-hit when well-placed and later shot at the keeper, with Claire Boyd's shot then blocked for a corner. A good ball from Knuckey set up the first goal, with Mansfield smartly lobbing the keeper. A Gloucester free-kick just cleared the bar then from a great turn by Amber Grose, Dani Small's cross was turned over by Mansfield. Grose then fired over too and had another effort well-saved by the keeper but she released Mansfield on 21 minutes, who finished powerfully. Knuckey missed a glorious chance from Small's pass and Lyndsey Williams took a knock in the ribs during a brave take but soom recovered to clear, following an important interception by Small. Grose dispossessed a defender but missed the target and Small went close with a first-time drive from Julie Lawrence's ball. Knuckey had the ball in the net at the end of the half but was ruled offside after a fine turn and delivery by Grose.
Knuckey's shot from Kat Dawe's cross was fumbled, Knuckey then driving over from Mansfield's fine pass. The visiting keeper made a good block when Mansfield was clean throughand Grose hooked over from Dawe's delivery. But after 54 minutes, Small sped down the left to serve up a great far post cross which Knuckey volleyed in. Gloucester fired high from only six yards out and saw another effort go across the home goal. Grose surged towards what seemed a certain goal but was wide of the far post and Becky Hall's rocket shot was parried away for a corner. The scoring was completed on 82 minutes, Katy Barker crossing and Julie Lawrence's shot escaping the keeper's grasp. The visitors were denied a late consolation, as Becky Lawrence intercepted a goalbound shot.
Penzance play Saltash United in the Cornwall Cup Semi-Final on Tuesday (Feb 19th), at Newquay FC, 7.30pm. The Magpies then return to their title chase, when they host third-placed Cheltenham Town this Sunday, 2pm at Penlee Park. The Reserves also have a must-win game, away to Holmans in the last round of Kimmins Cup ties, with a place in the final at stake.
Penzance: Williams; Hemingway, B.Lawrence, Bateman, Small; Dawe (Barker, 73), Boyd, J.Lawrence, Grose, Knuckey (Rae, 70), Mansfield (Hall, 65).