Launceston Cup Semi Final

North Petherwin 3

North Hill 0

Launceston AFC, Pennygillam

A GOOD game of football saw North Petherwin reach the final of the Launceston Cup for the first time in their history.

Both sides created chances but it was only Petherwin that took advantage of theirs — North Hill on the other hand, despite having a good share of the possession, failed to really test goalkeeper Dom Plumb.

North Petherwin took an early lead when Ryan Hancock sent over an enticing free kick which Josh Sanders reacted to quickest of all to prod the ball past Tom Coles in the North Hill goal.

Jake Rich nearly increased the Petherwin lead when his cross-cum-shot from wide on the right wing hit the cross bar and rebounded away from danger for the North Hill defence to just about clear their lines.

North Hill started to command play during the latter stages of the half but couldn’t create goal scoring opportunities.

Five minutes after the break the ever-dangerous Joe Reeve took charge of the ball on the left wing and beat a couple of defenders before curling a neat shot into the far corner of the net to increase the ‘Badgers’ lead and all but end any hope of a comeback.

Though North Hill continued to press they failed to create any clear cut chances but with 15 minutes remaining Chris Rockell hit a fine snap shot volley from 25 yards that crashed against the crossbar and then shortly afterwards a corner from Stuart Cole found Paul Perkins unmarked but his header failed to hit the target.

North Hill’s opportunities squandered were further punished when Andy Sleeman, on as substitute, pounced on a ball from Shaun Ellis to smash the ball into the net from close range to clinch the victory and he was also denied a second goal when his shot was a cleared off the line by Perkins.

North Petherwin will face Gunnislake in the final at Pennygillam on May 15.