(SATURDAY) SWPL PREMIER WEST Camelford 5 Truro City Reserves 1
CAMELFORD bounced back from their derby defeat at Wadebridge Town by putting five past Truro City Reserves in a 5-1 victory at Trefrew Park.
The Camels weren’t quite at it a week earlier against their big rivals, and were without skipper Charlie Hambly who started a three-match ban following his red card at Bodieve Park.
He was replaced by Eli Evans in midfield, while centre-half Sam Wade and winger Connor Sturdy also returned to the starting 11.
Camelford kicked off into a strong wind but made light work of the conditions, keeping the ball on the ground and playing some tidy football.
Sam Watts was a constant threat on the right and delivered several crosses which troubled the Truro defence, but the Camels lacked the final touch.
Truro threatened soon after, but great defending from Tom Crowe cleared the danger.
Camelford continued to apply the pressure with Andy Boxall having two shots from the edge of the area, but they were well gathered by the Truro keeper.
However Boxall had a big part in the opener on 26 minutes as his inswinging corner could only be helped into the roof of the net by a visiting defender.
Truro looked lively on the break and a good ball from Finlay Harrison played in Josh Harris for a one on one with Josh Colwill. However Colwill closed down the space quickly and Harris shot just wide of the far post.
Camelford’s final chance of the half saw Ross Beare and Eli Evans set up Brooklyn Wilkins with an open goal on the edge of the area, but his first time effort went inches wide.
Camels came out for the second half with the wind at their backs and soon extended the lead when great work from man of the match Evans resulted in his left foot cross being converted at the far post by the incoming Watts.
With the game being played mainly in the Truro half, the Camels were awarded a free-kick just outside the area for a foul on Wilkins. Boxall stepped up to hit a terrific free-kick into the top corner and give the hosts a three-goal cushion before the hour.
Truro kept battling and were rewarded when Crowe upended the left winger just inside the area. The penalty was struck well and gave Colwill no chance.
Camels made a couple of changes at this point, bringing on Mark Gusterson and Shae Cardiff for Sturdy and Ross Beare, and soon threatened again when the lively Cardiff shot wide when well-placed.
They soon restored the three-goal advantage when Evans passed to Gusterson 10 yards outside of the box and the veteran striker took a couple of touches before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top left-hand corner.
It was all Camelford now and the fifth goal came after great link-up play between Wilkins and Gusterson saw the latter lay off to the incoming Evans to drive low into the net from 10 yards.
Camelford, who have now played 20 of their 32 league games, now have a long wait before they are next in action as they welcome Bude Town to Broadclose Park on Friday, December 29 (7.30pm).
Reflecting on the afternoon, Camels boss Reg Hambly told the Post: “I was delighted with the lads, we tried to play football throughout in heavy conditions.
“We scored some terrific goals, dominated in midfield and the back four looked really solid. It was a great way to sign off before Christmas.
“Credit must also to the groundsmen and committee who did a fantastic job in getting the game on.”
CAMELFORD: Josh Colwill; Tom Crowe, Sam Wade, Dan Metherell, Jake Chafer; Eli Evans, Ross Beare, Andy Boxall (capt); Sam Watts, Brooklyn Wilkins, Connor Sturdy. Subs: Howie Evans (gk), Cale Jones, Jack Biddick, Mark Gusterson, Shae Cardiff.
Camelford man of the match: Eli Evans.