KNOCK-OUT CUP FIRST ROUND

Boscastle 1

St Cleer 5

Following their only League defeat earlier

in the season, St Cleer gained revenge over Boscastle by securing their passage into the second round of the Bodmin Trophies Duchy League Knock-Out Cup with a comprehensive team performance.

The whole squad performed well, but it was Ed Bradshaw who took the plaudits, netting his second hat-trick since converting from goalkeeper, taking his tally to seven goals in four games.

Both sides started rather sloppily and found it hard to settle on the hard surface, but it was the Saints who mastered the pitch and began to produce some excellent football.

They opened the scoring on 15 minutes when, following some neat play in midfield between Lee Collins, Jon Niblett and Jamie Coates, the ball was fed through to Bradshaw who took one touch and shot low into the far corner of the net.

Ten minutes before half-time, the Saints produced a goal of real quality.

The ball was worked from the back with some one-touch football out to David Bowman on the right wing, who provided a pinpoint cross for Bradshaw to head home his second.

Early in the second period it was game over, as St Cleer got their third.

Again, good work between defence and midfield resulted in Bowman providing a slide-rule pass to Bradshaw who rifled a shot on the half-volley from the angle of the penalty box.

St Cleer then took their foot off the gas, and a mix-up at the back on 75 minutes allowed the hosts to pull a goal back.

However, two quick goals from Dan Ball and Collins ensured that the final scoreline reflected the visitors' superiority.

Both goals were as a result of pressure from those players on the Boscastle 'keeper and defence – a sign of St Cleer's desire to perform for the whole 90 minutes.

It was also good to see some

excellent sportsmanship from St Cleer five minutes from the end. The referee awarded them a penalty... but it was clear that the foul had been committed outside of the box.

The Saints' players informed the referee of this and explained it should have only been a free-kick. To the credit of the referee, he changed his decision.

The whole squad deserves credit for their contribution, especially Darren Harvey who managed more than five minutes, as he has been blighted with injury.

St Cleer will take on Division One rivals Fowey in the second round at home in what should be a very exciting game.