Blues bounce back in style to stay in the top three

AFTER a difficult week on and off the field, Liskeard bounced back to form with a hard-earned victory over struggling Wells at The Athletic Ground on Saturday.

Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat against Bovey Tracey was followed by news of the sudden death of former Bodmin Town goalkeeper Kevin Miller, who was a close friend of Liskeard joint manager Darren Gilbert and known by several others at the club.

So it took some effort for the Blues to come away from a 250-mile round trip to Somerset with three goals and three points which leave them third in the table, only a point behind leaders Bridgwater, although Liskeard have played two games more.

With captain Josh McCabe named on the bench, the Blues handed the armband to Ben Collins, a long-standing and popular member of the first team squad who hasn’t been a regular starter so far this season.

And he played a big part in the victory, scoring once and starring in a wing-back role.

Striker George Newton marked his return to form by firing Liskeard ahead in the eighth minute, and after Wells had equalised through Jacob Reader before half-time, Collins was on hand to restore the visitors’ lead with a well struck low shot 19 minutes from time.

James Lorenz, another player who has been with the club for many years, made it 3-1 three minutes later and celebrated by running over to Darren Gilbert on the sidelines, a touching moment for both of them.

Liskeard have no fixture this Saturday; their next action is the Cornwall Senior Cup tie against Saltash United at Lux Park on Tuesday, September 29.

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Ollie Chenoweth; Ben Cross, Josh Robins (Harry Probyn, 64), Harry Jeffery, Toby Haley, Scott Sanders (Harvey Mullis 72), Max Gilbert, James Lorenz (Josh McCabe, 80), George Newton, Bailey Mabin (Kai Gilbert, 77), Ben Collins (capt).

Liskeard Athletic man-of-the-match: Ben Collins.

In the South West Peninsula League Premier West on Saturday, both Dobwalls and Millbrook suffered disappointing results.

The Dingos welcomed Helston Athletic to Lantoom Park looking for a first win of the season after an agonising 1-0 midweek reversal against in-form Holsworthy, which included Jamie Gilbert strike a free-kick that hit both posts, but found the new-look Blues too tough to handle.

Hayden Black, back at his home club from Western League St Blazey, fired Steve Massey’s side into a first half lead before the midfielder doubled the advantage after the break.

Hugo Massey added a third as Dobwalls remain the only side in the division yet to pick up all three points. They have a huge chance to do so on Saturday as they head to the only side above them in the division on Saturday in the shape of Wendron United.

Millbrook were looking to build on their comeback point at Bude Town a fortnight earlier, but after getting through to half-time goalless at promoted St Mawgan, saw the wheels fall off in spectacular fashion.

An own goal following good work from Jack Clarke opened the scoring which was followed by Owen Royes’ brace and a fine finish from striker Craig Allen.

Millbrook remain on four points from eight outings and face a tough test next as they head to high-flying AFC St Austell on Saturday.