Ian Pethick

Ashton & Backwell frustrating Mousehole again, and a superb win at previously 100% Buckland for Saltash (the result of the day for the Cornish Western League clubs). Millbrook also getting the measure of Bitton again, early days yes, but proving the people wrong who thought they may struggle. The clubs travelling down to Cornwall went home with very little, further sowing the seeds of doubt in their minds about making these journeys. Even at this early stage though, Bridgwater look like they will take a lot of stopping. 12 points from 12 after thumping Street away.

Does raise questions in my mind about the role of so called "directors of football", or whatever the title is for someone who's "moved upstairs" within clubs at this level. Looking at successful clubs in the area such as Mousehole, Falmouth, Parkway and Tavistock, you have no doubts about who is in charge and calls the shots. Looking back, I am certain that someone like Trevor Mewton for example would have had 100% control of all playing matters and personnel, and would never have had someone "upstairs" providing input or listening to player's complaints. Listening to the podcast last week, bringing in River Allen was very much a personal initiative by Ryan Fice.

Very early days. Suspect that neither Hanwell or Dorchester will trouble the top of the table, but a good start.

Yes, this league is a big step in terms of quality and physicality. Mikey Williams said in a pre season interview that Parkway fans will have to get used to closer matches, and probably runs of losing games. Something that a large chunk of the more recent supporters are not used to.

Great times, many stories. Really surprised nobody has every written a book about Sunday morning football. I still remember subs stood on the touchline in their under pants, as we only had 11 pairs of shorts and they had to swap with the player coming off.

Yes, remember players turning up at 10.29am very much worse for wear. On one occasion, somebody turned up with his previous night's "liaison ", and couldn't remember her name. And no, she wasn't hastily signed up and named as a sub.

3am kick off on a Sunday morning? Nice and cool, players making their way home from a Saturday night out. 😁

And a small, decreasing, pool of players to choose from.

Seem to be in now. Strange.

Just tried checking something regarding the SW Peninsula League on the FA Full Time site, and it seems to default to the 2021/22 league tables and data. Nothing displayed for current squads or results for the 2022/23 season, is it broken again?

Was chatting to a work colleague about non league football in the week. He played step 4/5 football in the London/Hertfordshire area, and was shocked when I told him what players at a comparable level are rumoured to be getting paid in the South West. When he said "how is that sustainable? " I replied, "it isn't."

It's a quick helicopter ride from Pennygillam to Marshfield Parc, Taking in a half at each is very do able.😀

Think this is what is known as a "developing story." The various rumours and "mate of a mate who knows someone who heard that.." stories , will keep this topic near the top of the forum for several days (at least).

Several established Southern League clubs in that area. Players seem to move between Salisbury, Poole. Dorchester and Wimborne with regularity. Nearby Swanage had a spell in the Western League Prem at the end of the 80's. A long away trip from Cornwall, but a very scenic town to visit.

These "one offs" have a habit of becoming the norm. Way off topic I know, but does anybody else have no sense of excitement for this World Cup? An artificial tournament, played in soulless desert stadiums, a place with no football tradition, in a country that is wealthy from petro chemicals (especially relevant at a time of unaffordable gas and petrol, and when climate change makes itself felt in the UK) and where being is punishable by up to 3 years in prison (or the death penalty if you are muslim). Hard to get excited about a World Cup in December, it belongs in June where it is enjoyed in beer gardens and outdoor screenings, where people spill onto streets in celebration after the final whistle and is listened to on radios in parks and on beaches.

Well done to St Austell for taking prompt action, and then putting a statement out regarding the incident. At a time when when Cornish clubs need all the supporters, volunteers and players that they can get, morons like this that put people off need purging out.

For many years though Darren Gilbert was effectively Bodmin Town, he was also (up until 5 or so years ago) consistently winning trophies and delivering runs in the FA Vase. It is now apparent how integral he was to keeping the club going on and off the pitch, and what a gap he has left behind.

Will be interested to see how a fully fit and playing every week Phil Cattran goes at Mullion. One of the very highly rated youngsters at Helston a few years back, who has lost a few seasons to injury. Building from the bottom up, and engaging the locals is the only sustainable way back. It was a long road back for Liskeard, but they have done it with a strong nucleus of local management, (I know Lee Mann is Plymouth based) players and new volunteers coming on board alongside the stalwarts. No quick fix for Bodmin I'm afraid, may take many seasons and a selection of managers that come and go.

FA Cup Final in June ???? It was bad enough when it moved away from a 3pm Saturday kick off, then it was no longer the domestic season finale, now it's moved back a whole month into the summer. Bit of trivia- The 1970 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Leeds United was played on the 11th April, with the replay on the 29th April This was to aide England's preparations for their defence of the World Cup in Mexico (although this would have have negligible given how the club's respective England contingents spent the 210 combined minutes of the match kicking lumps out of each other). This was the last time the season ending showpiece was played in this month.

Only Gosport (602) and Tamworth (667) got larger gates in the Southern Prem South & Central.

Has to be seen as one point grained, not two dropped. A crash course in what the Southern Prem is about for Parkway but, for the rest of the league,it shows that you haven't beaten them until the final whistle blows. Really important that Bolitho Park remains a fortress this season (speaking to Hamwell fans today, it is clear that they are not relishing a trio to Plymouth), as there are some really tough looking away games in this league. This draw was in the context of several players missing who would probably have started, with veteran Jamie Lowry and teenager Callum Bleasdale being drafted in to fill the bench. Ben Seymour showed though what an ace striker brings to a side, something that was missing last season.

Very good result for "club in crisis Falmouth Town." 😁

Very comfortable away win for Truro. Should have been more, but both Rocky Neal and Tyler Harvey spurned good early chances. Harvey did redeem himself with the game's moment of high quality for his finish, beating two men and then keeping his composure to score. Lower key second half from Truro let Hamwell back into it slightly (could have been the heat or the security of a 3 goal cushion), but they saw the game out in the face of an improved second half showing from Hanwell. A very pleasant season opener, lovely little ground, very friendly home supporters, small but full throated away support and a very reasonably priced bar (no pasties though, note of caution for the travelling Parkway support).

Notice as well that Paul Heveran has reappeared on the Parkway squad list that's featured on the Southern League website. Another right back from the not too distant past.

Harrison Davis does seem to have a history of starting very strongly at clubs, and then fading away. A very talented player, but obviously someone Lee Hobbs had his doubts about. He never got a look in at right back after Finlay Craske came in on loan from Argyle last season. Hobbs previewing start of new season on Plymouth Live website. Tyler Ashmead injured and unavailable, Mikey Williams described as very unlikely to play, Ben Seymour recovered from injury and ready to play while two others (not named) were described as "we think they will be OK." More forthcoming than usual for Parkway, they usually play their cards very close to their chest regarding player injury and availability.