Hat-trick for Harrison in five-star Callington Town performance

FRONTMAN Fin Harrison notched a hat-trick as Callington continued their fine early season form with a 5-0 success over Wendron United at the Ginsters Marsh.

Cally had won 4-0 in successive victories over Camelford and Millbrook, were ahead within 90 seconds as Alex Jacob burst clear of the visiting backline, and although Ethan Fearn was out superbly to deny his initial shot, he tucked away the rebound for his fourth strike in two games.

Two decent chances to go further ahead arrived straight after, but Kieran Ryall’s half-volley went over and Fin Harrison’s effort drifted wide of the post. Harrison however, did open his account for the afternoon on 22 minutes with a finish from eight yards.

It was nearly 3-0 before half-time, however Fearn made a fabulous save to tip Kieran Prescott’s effort onto the post.

The second period started in much the same vein, and the lead was extended when Prescott headed in Ryall’s corner on 51 minutes. Within three minutes it was four when Harrison struck home a free-kick from the D on the edge of the box.

The next half an hour didn’t bring any further goals, despite Cally regularly getting into good areas, as nothing around the box was quite dropping or a visiting defender would get a block in.

Wendron kept battling hard and, in the spell, had their first efforts to threaten Jake Mead-Crebbin. He made a very smart block with his chest to preserve the clean sheet.

With four minutes of normal time remaining, Harrison notched his treble. Good work by sub Shay McCarthy initially allowed the striker to have a simple finish from close-range.

The Pastymen had a further chance to score with the last kick of the game after Calum Courts was tripped in the box, but Harrison’s spot-kick was again superbly saved by the outstanding Fearn.

That miss failed to stop Harrison taking home the man-of-the-match award although he was run close by Callum McDonnell in the middle of the park. Both players have been nursing injuries since pre-season, so both will take plenty of confidence having got through 90 minutes unscathed.

Callington now enjoy a few days off with their next outing a Friday night clash under the lights against visiting Wadebridge Town on September 18 (7:30pm).

Reflecting on the game, boss Simon Riddle said: “Overall it was a really good afternoon in keeping the momentum from the last couple of games. We could’ve been out of sight by half-time but credit to Wendron who hung in there and if it wasn’t for a smart stop by Jake, would’ve got on the scoresheet.

“We still think we can be more clinical as in tight games that’s when those odd goals make all the difference, but we can’t complain with the performance as a whole as we’re creating opportunities and contributions are being shared around. I was also really pleased for Fin to get a treble, he’s been struggling with a foot injury since pre-season but got his rewards.”

CALLINGTON TOWN: Jake Mead-Crebbin (capt); George Soper, JJ Gill, Sam Hill, Alex Jacob, Kieran Prescott, Callum McDonnell, Kieran Ryall, Connor Pritchard, Ed Harrison, Fin Harrison. Subs: Calum Courts, Dan Alford, Jay Martin, Shay McCarthy.

Cally man-of-the-match: Fin Harrison.