Gloucestershire U18s 0 Cornwall U18s 2

Cornwall’s U18 footballers reserved their best performance of the season to date in defeating a strong Gloucestershire side in the South West Knockout Cup.

On an immaculate synthetic surface at Outlands Park, the home of Gloucestershire County FA, Cornwall set the pace right from the kick off, and despite playing against a strong wind forced their opponents on the defensive.

A series of corners and free kicks caused panic for the Gloucestershire defenders and keeper Curtis Mills (Dursley Town) had to be at his best to deal with fine efforts from Jordan Annear (Porthleven) and Jamie Payne ( Penzance ). 

Cornwall were also alert to counter-attacks, whereby full backs Nick Hurst (Wadebridge Town) and Scott Kellow (Falmouth Town) kept a tight grip on the Gloucestershire forwards.

After half time Cornwall again started strongly with Jordan Annear going close, before finally putting Cornwall ahead  from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.

Cornwall were now taking the game to their opponents with Ryan Chinn (Penryn Athletic), Martyn Duff (Foxhole Stars), Callam McOnie (Newquay) and Aiden Killen (Foxhole Stars) across the midfield controlling matters.

Cornwall took full advantage of their possession and doubled their lead in the 70 minute when Ryan Trathen (Mullion) latched on to a long ball out of defence and chipped over the advancing keeper.

Cornwall held firm under late pressure which ensured a well deserved victory, and now face the short journey to their local rivals Devon in the semi-final of this competition, date and venue to be arranged.

At the conclusion of the match the Cornwall Captain, Ryan Chinn, was presented with his county cap by the Cornwall FA  president Mr Brian Conyon.

Cornwall:  James Wignell (Helston Athletic), Nick Hurst (Wadebridge Town), Kyle Flew (Camelford), George Lumley (Kilkhampton) , Danny Frolick (Camelford) , Scott Kellow (Falmouth Town), Ben Swain (St Blazey), Martyn Duff (Foxhole Stars), Ryan Chinn (Penryn Athletic), Callum McOnie (Newquay), Jamie Payne (Penzance) , Jordan Annear (Porthleven), Aiden Killen (Foxhole Stars ), Ryan Trathen (Mullion).