WARD WILLIAMS CORNWALL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL AT PORTHLEVEN AFC (WEDNESDAY)

Mousehole 1 St Austell 3

ST AUSTELL have set up a mouth-watering Senior Cup final rematch against Falmouth Town after stunning Southern League Division One South play-off chasers Mousehole at Porthleven’s Gala Parc last night.

Chris Knight’s Western League Premier Division side were deserved winners after producing one of their most complete performances of the season in front of a crowd of 305.

They will now take on Falmouth, who they were 2-1 up against going into two minutes of added time in extra time of last season’s final at Wendron before conceding two goals in three minutes to lose the match in heartbreaking fashion.

The rematch promises to be some occasion and if they play anything like they did against the Seagulls, they will give themselves every chance of lifting the prestigious trophy.

Mousehole started the semi-final as favourites but it took St Austell only 10 minutes to assert their authority with one of their best goals of the season.

Matt Searle.
Matt Searle puts St Austell in front following a superb run and finish. Picture: Paul Williams (Paul Williams)

Midfield dynamo Matt Searle, picking up possession in the centre circle, saw space opening up in front of him and ran into it, progressing to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a right foot shot which gave Mousehole keeper Lewis Moyle no chance.

A strong response was anticipated from Jake Ash’s side but things got worse for them on the half-hour when experienced defender James Ward was shown a red card by referee Steve Annis.

James Ward.
Mousehole centre-half James Ward drags himself off the field after his red card. Picture: Paul Williams (Paul Williams)

And the 10 men found themselves 2-0 down six minutes before the break when prolific striker Adam Carter was on hand to finish off from close range.

Mousehole needed to raise their game in the second half but they were struggling to find a way through a resolute St Austell back line where central defenders Tom Whipp and Rhys Hooper were outstanding.

But even they could do nothing to stop Julio Fresneda’s curling shot from the left edge of the penalty area which flew past Andy Collings into the net to reduce the arrears in the 66th minute.

Adam Carter and Kieron Bishop
Adam Carter (9) congratulates goalscorer Kieron Bishop after putting St Austell 3-1 up in the 67th minute at Gala Parc. Picture: Paul Williams (Paul Williams)

However, before Mousehole had time to think about being back in the tie, St Austell went to the other end immediately and wideman Kieron Bishop fired home to make it 3-1.

There was still the best part of 25 minutes left but Mousehole had left themselves with too much to do and St Austell deservedly saw the game out to complete a famous victory.

Hayden Turner.
Mousehole skipper Hayden Turner is closed down by Alex Hamley and Adam Carter (right). Picture: Paul Williams (Paul Williams)

MOUSEHOLE: Lewis Moyle, Jacob Kevern, Ryan Barrett, James Ward, Ross Derham, Monde Konte, Julio Fresneda, Jack Symons, Josh Bernard, Hayden Turner (capt), Paulo Sousa. Subs: Tim Nixon, Ryan Tresidder, Hayden Black, Jack Calver, Ollie Chenoweth (gk).

ST AUSTELL: Andy Collings, Jake Shaw, Martyn Duff, Henry Wilson, Tom Whipp, Rhys Hooper, Neil Slateford (capt), Matt Searle, Adam Carter, Kieron Bishop, George Marris. Subs: Callum Watson, Ryan Downing, Josh Penrose, Alex Hamley, Damon Mulready.