Falmouth Town Reserves manager Paul Murray has confirmed that his team will feature in two of the Dave Gardner Memorial matches this summer.


The tournament is set to start on Friday, July 27, when Helston Athletic take on Penzance at Penlee Park.

The tournament is organised between Falmouth, Helston, Penzance and Porthleven to honour Dave Gardner - a local footballer who played for all four clubs.

Falmouth Town first team have won the tournament for the past three seasons but, due to the poor weather, a pile-up of pre-season games will see them feature in the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy, against Truro City, and the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Charity Bowl on the same weekends as the Gardner Memorial is taking place.

As a result Falmouth Town Reserves have been drafted in to take part in the games against Helston, on Saturday, July 28, and Porthleven, on Saturday, August 4.

Paul Murray told the Packet it was a tremendous honour for him and his side to be playing in this year’s competition. He was a friend of Dave Gardner having played football with him during his playing days.

Asked how he rated Falmouth's chances of picking up the trophy for the fourth year in a row, Murray, said: "I think we will go in as the underdogs. Port and Helston are both good sides. Helston had a terrific year under Sid Taylor last season and have kept the majority of that side together. Port will also be difficult. Any side managed by John Dent is always competitive and well organised. The (Falmouth) first team will play against Penzance. I expect them to win that match, although Penzance are slightly rejuvenated since the appointment of Robin Watt as manager.

"It will be difficult for us because it will be a Combination League side playing against two CSWPL division one west teams. However, having won the Combination League last season, I believe the players deserve the opportunity to go and play in this competition."

Match schedule:

Friday, July 27: Penzance v Helston,  Penlee Park, 7.30pm
Saturday, July 28: Porthleven v Falmouth, Gala Parc, 3pm
Tuesday, July 31: Helston v Porthleven, Kellaway Park, 6.45pm
Wednesday, August 1: Falmouth v Penzance, Bickland Park, 7.30pm
Saturday, August 4: Penzance v Porthleven, Bickland Park, 2pm
Saturday, August 4: Falmouth v Helston, Bickland Park,  5pm