POLPERRO player-manager Dave Gilbert felt it was “maybe one game too far” for his side as they went down in the St Piran League Cup final to Penryn Athletic, writes Nigel Walrond.

“We needed to take our chances,” said Gilbert. “Everything we said not to do was to let an early goal in, which we have done all the way through the tournament, and we let that set piece in, and I think it made us panic.

“We then had three big chances, and we were probably the better team for a little spell, but we didn’t take those chances and in games like this that’s what happens. They took their chances.

“They are a decent team and they will do well next season in the South West Peninsula League.

“I’m not sure about the neutral pitch for the final being five minutes from their ground and we have got to do a two-hour drive on a Bank Holiday weekend, and they played here last week in the semi-final, but it is what it is.”

Gilbert admitted that he couldn’t believe they had reached the interval with their scoreline still blank.

“Our front three have been prolific throughout, but I think it was just one game too far.

“We are a young team and we have tweaked things and changed things just for this tournament.

“Our manager, Steve Sharpe, stood down as the tournament started so I have taken over.

“We were contemplating whether we would enter the tournament but we did, to have a bit of a run-out for the players, and we reached the final.”

Gilbert was full of praise for goalkeeper Mike Rickard.

“He was man of the match by a country mile. He stopped playing a couple of years ago and I managed to get him out of retirement after he had done his Achilles, and he is a brilliant goalkeeper.”

Gilbert admitted his side had been a little bit short in some areas due to injuries.

“We have had a few injuries this season, so we have not really been at full strength in key areas of the pitch.

“We had a couple of players who played the earlier rounds of the cup, but because of injuries they hadn’t played five games, so therefore they weren’t allowed to play in the semi-final or final because they were ineligible, which left us short in the middle of the pitch.”

Despite the loss in the final, it was a nice way for Polperro to end what has been a bizarre season for everyone – one that has been ruined by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Last time we were playing properly was before Christmas, and the pitches aren’t good at that time of the year, and we didn’t know if the season was going to carry on.

“We have managed to play another six, seven or eight games and the lads are happy, the lads have had a game of football, and worse things happen in the world than losing a final.”

Asked if he would now stay as manager, Gilbert said a decision would be taken over the coming weeks.

“We will have a look at it in the summer and see what’s happening, but I expect the players will try and twist my arm!”