By Kevin Marriott

ST AUSTELL manager Chris Knight praised his players after they upset the odds to reach the Cornwall Senior Cup final for the second successive season.

They will face Falmouth Town, who beat them in a dramatic final at Wendron last season where St Austell were 2-1 up going into two added minutes at the end of extra time and lost 3-2.

The Lillywhites, who play in the Western League Premier Division, beat Southern League Division One South play-off chasers Mousehole 3-1 at Porthleven on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Matt Searle, Adam Carter and Kieron Bishop.

Mousehole, who had defender Jamie Ward sent off after 31 minutes, were 2-0 down when Julio Fresneda pulled a goal back for them midway through the second half but almost immediately St Austell restored their two-goal advantage.

Knight said: “It was an evening to remember that’s for sure. I thought the players carried out the game-plan to the letter which was the pleasing aspect.

“We knew they’d dominate the ball as they are a very good football team, but we also knew if we won it back we could hurt them and so it proved.

“Obviously in big games you need things to go your way and the red card obviously helps us, but I thought we were well on top in the game anyway and deservedly won the game.”

He went on: “It’s nice to spoil the party a little bit, we know everyone wants to see the dream final but we had other ideas and the players were magnificent.

“They’d run through a brick wall for me and they showed that yet again last night.

“I’m really proud of them but we need to not rest on our laurels; the final is ages away and we have big games to come.

“We reset and go again next Saturday (March 15 v Paulton Rovers).”