Wednesday 18th November: Callington College v Bodmin College Academy

Jamie Lowry's side started their league campaign away at Callington, where they have already played in pre season. Bodmin's manager had a large squad to choose from with only Josh Taphouse unable for selection.

Jamie Kalicki started in goal with a back three consisting of Jacob Franks, Tom Molyneux and Andre Da Silva. Henry Ellis and Bryn Sturdy occupied the wing back positions. The visitors had a very familiar looking midfield trio of skipper Corey Stewart, George Edgington and Carl Baldry. Hat-trick hero from their last visit in Callington, George Ellis played up front alongside Ollie Carthew. 

Strikers Josh Bourn and Josh Galvin started on the bench alongside Jake Alcock and Jonty Colman.

Despite what had been an end to end first ten minutes it was Bodmin who broke the deadlock. A throw in from Sturdy picked out Stewart who looked up and beautifully struck a half volley,  with the outside of his foot from the best part of 30 yards out. A great strike which left the keeper "rooted to the spot".

Stewart's finish led to mixed reactions with one fan quoted to saying it was "an unstoppable strike". Manager Lowry however joked "it was    meant to be a cross."

The first half continued to be fiercely contested, the hosts had two fantastic chances of their own but were matched with two world class saves from 'keeper Kalicki which proved vital for the red and blacks.

Both Ellis brothers had good chances to put their side more comfortably ahead in the opening half but they were unable to properly test the Callington defence.

A big midfield contest throughout the first half was between Bodmin's captain and Chris Poyntz who were constantly in well fought battles and scraps.

Bodmin wanted to keep pushing on from the early goal and two attacking changes were made midway through the first half with Bourn coming on for Baldry seeing Carthew dropping into the midfield three.

Alcock also came on for Henry Ellis towards the end of the first half as they looked to continue their early threats from the right hand side.

Bodmin went into half time in a strong position. They were comfortably in position and had been given the freedom throughout the first half to play how they wanted. They were just struggling with the final finish. 

Lowry decide to make his third substitute at the interval. Galvin came on for Sturdy and George Ellis slipped in at left wing back.

Galvin nearly made an instant impact five minutes into the second half. He found himself though on goal but his shot from the edge of the box went miles over. The visitors boss claimed that it was "a big and possibly crucial chance". 

Minutes later Colman came on in midfield for Edgington with his aim to be a "nuisance" behind the front two.

The travelling side again continued to press the chances from Galvin and Bourn. Bourns best chance only went wide and Galvin was denied by the cross bar.

Bodmin nearly had a lovely team effort. A good passage of the play down the right saw Galvin making a run, his low driven pass going to Colman went through his legs via an unexpected dummy to Stewart but he did not have enough time to do anything with it.

Despite it only being their first league game, Colman made himself a strong contender for miss of the season. 

Some good passing from the front three, sent Galvin down the right hand side, a great delivery then picked out a long run from Colman at the back post whose first time half volley went straight over the bar in what could only be described as a shameful yet comical attempt from the substitute who was coincidentally substituted minutes later. 

Five minutes from the end, Bodmin get their second goal which proved to be the winner and great counter attack from the left flank by Galvin beat two players before laying off Carthew. His low driven shot from distance forced a parried saved from the keeper. The ball went loose from the box and some quick thinking from Ellis proved to be vital as he finished the rebound off. Good work from all three men involved and showed great desire to want to win. 

Bodmin played out the last five minutes very defensively to counteract Callington's late attacking surge. 

The game ended with a 2-0 victory to Bodmin College Academy after a very solo performance particularly with the back five and defence. They will surely be confident and eagerly awaiting their first home fixture of the season against Liskeard Community College next Wednesday.

Captain Corey Stewart led his team in  fantastic style with a superb goal and a solid performance all over the park both in attack and defence.

Despite playing a period of the game in a very unfamiliar position, George Ellis had a good game. He was constantly pressuring the defence and put in a good shift at tackling, as well as getting Bodmin's second goal.

Ollie Carthew had a good performance, particularly when he dropped into midfield. His pace and attacking threat caused Callington's midfield problems.

Man of the match has to go to goalkeeper Jamie Kalicki. A lot of crucial saves as well as real signs of solidarity truly proved his progression in the side since his arrival last September. Performances like that this season could be important towards Bodmin's ambitions this season.

Jamie Lowry was certainly happy with the result and "a very good clean sheet" just sums up what he wanted his side to work on this season.