Match Report 26th November 2014: Bodmin College Academy v Penwith College

Bodmin College Academy picked up a draw in their first competitive fixture of the season. They shared a 1-1 draw in what turned out to be a fiery fixture against Penwith College.

Bodmin manager Chris Morris made 10 changes to the side that lost to Truro School a fortnight ago with only captain of the last game James Ford keep his place in the side. A lot of first team players were recalled to the side such as team captain Josh Howell, first choice Goalkeeper Leigh Standen and star striker James McNary. Only Corey Stewart, James Ford, Tom Molyneux, Aaron Worth and Josh Galvin kept their places in the squad with goalscorer of that match Ollie Carthew and vice captain Jack Gabriel ruled out through injury. Luke Sleeman made his first appearance of the season at left back as well Ryan Parsons also making his season debut, starting from the bench.

The first chance came to Penwith after just 3 minutes after a cross took several deflections across the Bodmin back 4 with James Ford fortunately able to steer it wide of his own net.

Bodmin managed to counter attack from the opposing corner and shouldve gone 1-0 up. A 2 on 1 counter attack for Bodmin should have easily gifted them a goal, however Ash Richards took the greedy option of going for goal himself an hitting the post where as if he had squared it to James McNary the home side probably would have gone ahead.

With 9 minutes on the clock, Bodmin went 1-0 up. A sublime over the top pass from Connor Butler picked out a James McNary with a break away down the left hand side. McNary then cut in a had a great shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which forced a well tipped save from the goalkeeper only to gift Ash Richards a tap in at the back post.

2 Minutes later, Penwith had a great break away chance down their left hand side with their left winger able to sprint past both Molyneux and Ford but was unable to finish off.

After 17 minutes, Penwith had a golden opportunity slip away from them following a slip up from James Ford which sent the visiting side's striker through on goal however some great pressure from Griffiths forced a poor shot and an easy save for Standen.

With 12 minutes left in the first half, Penwith had another 1 on 1 chance with the striker going past Ford and finally getting the away sides equaliser.

Just moments later a questionable double red-card incident took place in the bottom left corner of the pitch after McNary seem to kick an opposing defender in the thigh which then resulted in the defender pushing McNary in the face. Both players were forced to be separated by coaches of both sides as well as referee (Ebony Dover).

The rest of the first half continued to be feisty with Ash Richards, Corey Stewart, Luke Sleeman and Josh Howell all being involved in separate confrontations in the final 10 minutes of the first half.

The second half did not fail to disappoint with Bodmin's first chance coming after just 15 seconds with Corey Stewart's long range effort forcing a good block out of the opposing goalkeeper.

From the resulting corner, Penwith went on the counter attack down the right hand side. The midfielder was able to cut in and easily stroll past Sanders and Sleeman although was rather unlucky to take the lead.

Tom Molyneux was rather fortunate to escape a caution following a late dangerous challenge that could have easily caused a serious injury.

Penwith had yet another good chance 11 minutes into the second half with their shot only ending inches past the back post which gave Bodmin's right side a serious wake up call.

Desperate to take 3 points, Morris made 3 changes in quick succession which saw Josh Galvin being introduced for Connor Butler, Luke Sanders making way for Aaron Worth and goalscorer Richards making way to give Ryan Parsons his debut for the team.

Captain Josh Howell was at the centre of discussion yet again after having 3 altercations with the same player in the space of 6 minutes.

A scare for Bodmin came with just 12 minutes remaining on the clock after a 40 yard pot shot hit the cross bar and was followed up via a poaching striker although was disallowed for offside.

2 minutes later Morris made his final change which saw Henry Ellis introduced at right back, which saw Tom Molyneux partner Griffiths at centre back and James Ford making way.

Bodmin's Captain was involved in a fifth altercation with the same player late on which displays the passion and reckless behaviour from both sides.

With 4 minutes to go Standen pulled off arguably save of the match from a 1 on 1 situation denying the away side a late victory.

Bodmin nearly stole the points at the end via striker McNary following a great run and pass from substitute Parsons however the keeper was able to steer the shot wide.

This result was one that Bodmin will be happy to take a point in as it was a fixture they could have easily lost. A fiery encounter that both sides will remember for a long time was overshadowed at times by poor discipline from both sides. The home sides best player was central midfielder Corey Stewart who was able to keep a level head led the team from the middle of midfield, winning a lot of aerial headers as well as an attempt to try and get Bodmin to pass the ball around, unlike the majoirty of the midfield. Other key performances came from Elliot Griffiths at the back who made up for a number of defensive errors from Bodmin and looked solid throughout and Ryan Parsons who looked impressive when he come on as a substitute and could give manager Chris Morris a real selection dilemma.

22nd October 2014: Bodmin College Academy v Callington Academy

Bodmin College Academy picked up their first pre-season win on their first friendly on home soil. They dominated their match over Callington with an impressive 4-2 victory.

Bodmin manager Chris Morris made a significant switch around which included 9 changes to the side that were thrashed 5-0 by Truro 3rds two weeks earlier, with only Corey Stewart and Aaron Worth keeping their places in the starting line-up. A lot of senior players were recalled to the first team which also captain Josh Howell feature in the centre of midfield alongside Corey Stewart. Captain of Truro game (Tom Molyneux) was dropped to the bench alongside Josh Galvin, Taylor Hartill and Josh Taphouse. James McNary also featured on the bench.

Bodmin picked up their first goal within just 3 minutes. Connor Butler making an instant impact with a very well taken finish. Bodmin could have easily had another 2 goals within the opening ten minutes with Corey Stewart testing the keeper from distance and Luke Sanders unable to finish from a corner.

Bodmin did get their second goal after 12 minutes  after a fantastic run down the left hand side from Ashley Richards led to Ollie Carthew slotting home from close range.

Callington pulled one back 6 minutes later after an attack from the left hand side forced a good save out of Leigh Standen however he was unable to stop the rebound.

Bodmin had 3 good chances just before the half time break through Josh Howell, Ollie Carthew and Luke Sanders but neither of them were unable to convert their chances.

Morris made 2 changes at half time as Josh Taphouse came on for Ollie Carthew and Tom Molyneux came on for Henry Ellis. 7 minutes later he made another double substitution which saw Luke Sanders and Connor Butler make way for James McNary and Josh Galvin.

Callington had the first real chance of the second half just 3 minutes later which Leigh Standen being forced to cover his near post.

Bodmins first chance of the half put them 3-1 up. Ash Richards put a lovely outside foot pass through the back four which sent substitute McNary through on a 1 on 1 which he calmly slotted into the back of the net.

McNary got his second and the home sides fourth just a minute later after another substitute Tom Molyneux put a great ball into the box which again was finished off by McNary.

With 18 Minutes left the former Republic of Ireland international made 2 more changes which saw Ollie Carthew being reintroduced for Ash Richards and Corey Stewart making way for Taylor Hartill.

Callington picked up a consolation goal 3 minutes later with Elliot Griffiths failing to clear from his overhead attempt which gifted the Callington striker with an open net from 3 yards out.

Morris’ final change saw Sanders being reintroduced after Josh Howell picked up a knock.

This result gave Bodmin a huge boost as they will want to continue their pre-season in a similar fashion. Aaron Worth had a very solid game despite playing in a new look role at left back. James McNary made a big impact when coming on picking up two goals n very quick succession. Other key performances came from Josh Howell in the middle of the park leading by example. Connor Butler also had a very good game picking up Bodmins first goal and having several good first half attempts.