Penryn Athletic came from behind to beat Illogan in the St Piran League Cup semi final thanks to a thunderbolt from Morgan Vallejo. 


It was Illogan who took the lead in the seventh minute through Simon Ellis. A looping cross toward the back post hung up in the breeze, and Ellis rose above two defenders and the goalkeeper to bundle the ball into the net. 

Penryn however were no strangers to going behind, having conceded early against St Austell last week, and their response to going behind was impressive as they were quick to level the score.


Jack Rapsey was instrumental in linking up play between the midfield and attack, he drove into the area and was bundled to the floor in the 15th minute to give Penryn a way back into the game from the penalty spot.
Ryan Reeve stepped up to take the penalty and fired his shot into the bottom left corner to equalise.


Athletic now had momentum on their side and took the lead just three minutes later. The ball was fizzed into the area where Morgan Vallejo was allowed to turn and power the ball past the keeper into the far right corner. 


With the game poised at 2-1 as the second half began it was clear that getting the next goal would be vital for both sides. 


Illogan continued to throw men forward and should have equalised in the 48th minute. A corner was swung deep into the area, and following a goalmouth scramble the ball fell to centre back Archie Condie who blazed his effort way over the bar from within six yards when it looked easier to score. 


In the 58th minute Reeve was played in on goal but sliced a shot wide and high of the target, then just after the hour Brandon Leivers picked Reeve out with a low cross. The strikers' first effort was saved and his acrobatic rebound could only find the outside of the post. 


It looked as if Penryn weren't going to find that elusive third goal but in the 85th minute, Vallejo took matters into his own hands. 


Leivers again was involved, switching the play from one wing to another to where Vallejo was outside the area. The midfielder watched the ball onto his foot and struck the ball sweetly, powerfully, and accurately into the top left corner. 


Wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands followed as Penryn knew they had booked their place in the final with a goal that was worthy of winning a Champions League final, let alone the St Piran Cup semi final. 


Manager Harry Pope was delighted with the way his team bounced back from behind, he said: "We played really well again, Illogan you know what you're going to get with them they're always a brilliant side that are tough to beat and they were exactly that today. 


"I can't be any prouder of the way the lads played today, 2-1 up at half time exactly the same as last week, we knew we needed the next goal it didn't come, the boys stuck to the game plan and it came in unbelievable style what a goal."
The result means Penryn against Polperro, who beat Hayle in their semi final, next weekend at a neutral venue. 


Goalscorers: Ryan Reeve, Morgan Vallejo x 2. 
                     Simon Ellis

Falmouth Packet Man of the Match: Morgan Vallejo.