KJM SPORT REPORT Millbrook AFC 2 Bitton AFC 0

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Created on Monday, 15 August 2022 04:30

Last Updated on Monday, 15 August 2022 09:18

Published on Monday, 15 August 2022 04:30

Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT Cornwall football's touchline ace

After a midweek hiccup in the FA Cup, Millbrook were back to business in the league and back on track at red hot Jenkins Park on Saturday.

Memories of the 1-0 extra preliminary round replay defeat to neighbours Torpoint were quickly swept away as first half goals from Dave Youlden (19) and Sean Thomson (34) saw the Brook to their second win in the opening three games.

The game also marked the return of manager Macca Brown and he said: “It was great to be back in the dugout after missing three games away on holiday.

“The lads were fantastic in that time and did their best not to ruin the holiday for me with some good results!

“Beating Falmouth was the big one for us after losing the first game of the season and then by all accounts we were unlucky not to beat Torpoint last Saturday in the FA Cup, who obviously pipped us in the replay, and we wish them well in the next round.

“Of course Saturday was about a response to that result just as it was after the Sherborne game and that’s what we got.

“On days like Saturday, where it’s 30 degrees, and every pitch in the county is a challenge, anything can happen as it’s tough for the players, but it was a really professional performance and a game we really should have scored a few more goals in.

“As with most teams this time of year, we had a number of players unavailable and then suffered a blow losing Callum (Kenny) in the warm up but Josh Johnson came into the team and was outstanding. He’s had a very difficult week on a personal note, but showed fantastic temperament with a brilliant display.”

With temperatures nudging above the 30 degrees mark, both teams were understandably affected.

Brown said: “The heat obviously had an impact on the nature of the game, the intensity levels weren’t as high as usual from either team, and we were able to play and feel ourselves into the game.

“We scored at a good time through Youlds, and then settled into the game but to be honest weren’t asking as many questions as I would have liked.

“To go in 2-0 at half time, after a great finish from Sean Thomson, gave us a nice cushion and the second half performance was one that any manager would describe as professional, but in the last 20 minutes we should have really killed the game off.

"It’s a good response to Tuesday’s result though and it’s a been a good start to the campaign taking 6 points from a possible 9, including two league games against promoted teams who, as we know from ourselves last season, have great motivation at this stage of the season so it’s not been easy.”

Millbrook now face a tough week, starting with Mousehole away on tomorrow night, before home games against Barnstaple (Saturday) and Saltash United tomorrow week, August 23.

Brown said: “We know the games aren’t going to get any easier and we have a tough week ahead facing three teams that have serious and realistic ambitions of winning the league.

“But it’s a week we are really looking forward to and hopefully we can get some more points on the board.”

Millbrook C Wearing, J Richards, L Murray, J Wood, D Youlden, E Goodman, R Knight, J Toulson, J Johnson, S Thomson, K O’Melia 

SWSN Star Sean Thomson
 

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