SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE PREMIER WEST (WEDNESDAY)

Falmouth Town Reserves 2 AFC St Austell 4

MARK Goldsworthy scored twice in the last 20 minutes to complete a comeback win for unbeaten leaders St Austell after being 2-1 down at half-time.

The former Helston Athletic record scorer was brought on as a 70th minute substitute with the game all square at 2-2 and within a minute he had fired the Lillywhites ahead.

Goldsworthy, making only his second appearance for the club after signing last month, was then on hand to convert an 85th minute corner to to make it 4-2.

Victory stretched St Austell’s unbeaten start to 11 games and moved them six points clear at the top of the table, although they have played three more games than second-placed Sticker.

The night started well for the visitors with another hugely experienced striker, Ryan Richards, giving them a sixth minute lead.

But Falmouth were level in the 25th minute when Alex Wharton took advantage of a defensive mix-up to roll the ball into an unguarded net.

And five minutes later the home side swept ahead with a superb long range shot from Luke Brabyn which gave St Austell keeper Morgan Coxhead no chance.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half were evenly matched but the turning point came when Falmouth gave away a needless penalty in the 62nd minute.

Skipper Neil Slateford stepped up to score the equaliser and from that point St Austell grabbed the initiative and Goldsworthy’s double secured their eighth win in 11 games.

St Austell joint manager Chris Knight said: “I thought we started the game like a house on fire, scored early and looked to be really in control.

“But fair play to them, they are lively and fit and with Brabyn in the team they always have a goal threat and we were under the cosh for the remainder of the half. And being honest, happy to get to half-time.”

He went on: “We had a change around during the break and the team was excellent second half, more aggressive. And we know that when we need a goal we have Golds around and he did what he does, he will be invaluable to us once he’s fit.

“I thought Kieron Powell, up from the second team, was outstanding on the evening and with the team needing leadership, Ryan Richards gave us that.”

ST AUSTELL: Morgan Coxhead; Freddie Kemp, Jude Tripconey, Henry Wilson, Olly Brokenshire, Kieran Powell, Neil Slateford (capt), Martyn Duff, Liam Eddy (Mark Goldsworthy, 70), Callum McGhee, Ryan Richards. Subs not used: Jake Warman, Alfie Flack, Josh Bragg, Haiden Chapman.