Torpoint Athletic Reserves 23/24

[Foul Throw 3]

Saltash 0 - 1 Torpoint Athletic

Torpoint goal scorer: Easterbrook.

An important win last night to finish our season off and confirm our 3rd place in the league table. Taking over the side that finished 8th last season there's been a large turnover of players and with new faces, we were unbeaten in pre season across 6 friendlies. Early signs positive. But we lost the opening 3 league games and were bottom of the table going into the Millbrook derby. Thankfully we recovered and went on a better run of form, particularly since December losing just 2 of the last 13 league games. By that point our side looked quite different again compared to early August. Admittedly we've dropped valuable points in games we should've won, notably drawing at St Mawgan away when 2-0 up with 10 to play, losing to them at home in a game we dominated the chances created, and recently another 2-0 lead at home to St Austell ending in a draw, among a few other slip ups. However, a very positive season where for the most part we've played really well. Losing 8 league games looks significant but only the unbeaten champions did the double over us and 2 other clubs walked away unbeaten. The remaining losses we avenged and always nice to finish above rivals Millbrook and Saltash.

Last night we started very brightly and should've been out of sight within 10mins but it remained 0-0. Within the opening 5mins Easterbrook hit the post, had a left footed effort fly over the bar and a simple header inside 6yds lacking the finish from a superb cross from Ross on the right. Ross himself had the favour returned a minute later and his attempt of a header was feeble when it was easier to score. Westall then got involved in flirting with the Saltash goal and fired a fierce effort over the bar when driving into the box. Finally we opened the scoring our dominance deserved on 17mins when a neat pass down the right hand side by Ross released Westall whose superbly weighted ball into the area was swept home low by Easterbrook for his 25th of the season, a feat I believe puts him the top scorer in all comps for the St Piran East Prem. We should've extended this lead with further entries into the box from all 3 forwards at various intervals. This was mostly aided by the superb defensive work of the back four and the midfield 3, even Jimi! As the half wore on Saltash did improve and the work of Nicholls and Jefford were a threat. The latter's crossing from both open play and set pieces a real weapon, and Nicholls started to pick the ball up in dangerous central areas. One of which won his side a free kick 25yds out, which fortunately for us wasn't hit well enough. For the most part Waltzy and Ryan Knight were kept very quiet given their ability. 0-1 HT.

2nd half wasn't as one way and had far fewer chances for both sides. Jefford continued to put decent balls in the box which most were well collected by Sidey in goal or cleared. This nullified most of the threat and few shooting opportunities came about. We did defend well but far less threatening on the ball, with counters being our only outlet. Westall got in twice with the first on the right hand side of the area fired over when clean through, and his second advance rounded the goalkeeper and his left footed effort towards the empty net didn't have the direction or the legs to give us a cushion. Numerous times Easterbrook was whiskers away from breaking through due to defensive errors or with the assistance of a very bumpy pitch, but wasn't quite able to get away. Saltash kept chipping away but Murray and Crawford stood strong, with the only chance left in the game from a corner was fortunate to only be hit too close at Sidey very late on who held onto the effort. 

Though Saltash controlled most of the 2nd half, our defensive work limited them in our third and we looked sturdy enough to hold on for the win. Season over now and my last game with the 2nd team as I'll be stepping back from dugout duties. Feels like a long 9 months due to the stop/start games thanks to our lovely Cornish weather. Well done to St Dominick for dominating all competitions in the league. Be interesting to see what happens next season with new management there and the usual turnover of players.