Saturday, April 1

FA?County Youth Cup Final (played at Barnet FC)

Middlesex 2

CAMELFORD Football Club’s Josh Penrose goal proved meaningless in the end as Middlesex beat Cornwall 2-1 to win the FA County Youth Cup final at Barnet FC.

Played at The Hive, in front of a crowd of almost 800, Cornwall, who included five Camelford players in the starting line-up, acquitted themselves well for long spells but Middlesex’s quality deliveries into the box proved crucial.

Middlesex took the lead on nine minutes when Hendon’s Keagan Cole crossed for Staines Town forward Nebay Haile to head in past Camelford’s Luke Gwillam.

The visitors were level 30 seconds later when Helston’s Matt Buchan, hero of the semi-final win over Durham, crossed for Penrose to fire in at the back post.

Play fluctuated from end-to-end with Callum O’Reilly’s effort shaving the bar while Camelford forward Joe Adkins had his shot brilliantly tipped away by Lewis Todd.

However, the home side were ahead on 44 minutes when Corey Watson headed home Haile’s cross.

Middlesex were pressing hard as they looked to kill off the contest, forcing centre-backs Joel Allen (Porthleven) and Charlie Hambly (Camelford) to make a series of fine interventions.

Cornwall finally started to cause problems with 20 minutes to go when Penrose’s shot was palmed around the post by Todd before Glynn Hooper’s side twice went close late on.

Hambly’s cross was headed inches wide by Buchan before Watson brilliantly nicked the ball off Buchan’s toes when he looked to race clear following a flick-on by substitute Jack Rapsey.

In the end the equaliser wasn’t forthcoming, however Cornwall can be proud of their efforts for reaching the final for the first time in their history.

Cornwall:

Luke Gwilliam (Camelford), Josh Otto (Mousehole), Max Roberts (RNAS Culdrose), Joel Allen (Porthleven), Charlie Hambly (Camelford) (capt), Cameron Turner (Newquay), Josh Penrose (Camelford), Ed Harrison (Camelford), Matt Buchan (Helston Athletic), Joe Adkins (Camelford), Oliver Walker (Falmouth Town)

Subs: Tiago Soares (Godolphin) for Joe Adkins (71 minutes), Jack Webber (Porthleven) for Max Roberts (83), Jack Rapsey (Newquay) for Josh Otto (91)

Subs not used: Alfie Flack (St Austell), Dan Stedman (Wendron United)