Walter C Parson Cup (Second Round)

(Match abandoned at half-time due to a head injury with Camelford leading 3-0)

By Sam Brown

CAMELFORD look destined for a place in the third-round of the Walter C Parson Cup when their tie with Holsworthy last Friday night was abandoned at half-time due to a head injury sustained by home striker Adam Smith.

The match started off at a very fast pace with Holsworthy looking sharpest in the opening moments. But it was Camelford with the first decent chance when Bobby Hopkinson received the ball on the edge of the box and wriggled his way through, but his shot was blocked before the rebound from Nathan Ewing was again blocked and cleared. After this the Camels had a faze of possession before Holsworthy had two golden opportunities.

The first came from a cut back on the edge of the area which midfielder, Wes Pugh smashed over the bar. The second came from good play on the counter attack, Mike Steele got back and made a great challenge, which landed at the feet of striker Tudor Placinta whose shot trickled just past the post.

Ryan Lee went close for Liam Dart’s men as they continued to make most of the running, but Magpies were left to rue their missed chances as the Camels now suddenly sparked into life. They took the lead in the 35th minute when a corner, won and taken by Paul Menhinick, was headed towards goal by Josh Insley, and although it was blocked off the line, defender Adam Jenkin tapped in to give the Premier Division side the lead.

One minute later and the Camels were at it again, when attacking midfielder Bobby Hopkinson, hit a beauty from the halfway line which flew like a rocket into the back of the net past the hapless Josh Curtis.

Camelford were now on top and looked destined for a comfortable night’s work when Hopkinson whipped in a corner for Menhenick to head home on 42 minutes.

There was one more chance before the break for the now dominant visitors when Mark Gusterson played the ball to the back post to strike partner Menhenick who headed just wide.

While that was the last of the goalmouth action, player welfare soon took the priority, after a sickening clash of heads left Smith concussed and needing medical attention and for the ambulance to be called.

Football League referee, Lee Swabey, who is just returning from a hamstring injury, was forced to abandon the match due to the severity of the injury.

The tie has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 9.