KJM SPORT REPORT Millbrook AFC 1 Barnstaple Town 1

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Details: Created on Sunday, 21 August 2022 12:48; Last Updated on Monday, 22 August 2022 13:08; Published on Sunday, 21 August 2022 12:48; Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT Cornwall football's touchline ace

When you’re held at home you are usually left with a slightly disappointing feeling smouldering away in the back of your mind.

That was probably not the case for Millbrook at Jenkins Park on Saturday because they matched a highly-rated Barnstaple side stride for stride in an enthralling contest.

Jake Foster’s 33rd minute goal on his first start this season was cancelled out by Joe Edmonds’ first goal for Barnstaple just before half-time.

The second half proved a cagey affair with little to choose between the sides, although Millbrook had to survive a 10-minute spell late on when they were down to 10 men after defender Dave Youldon was sin-binned.

On the back of wins over Bitton (2-0) and Mousehole (2-1), Millbrook have had a good seven days.

Manager Macca Brown said: “Whilst you always only ever focus on the next game, at this stage of the season we do reflect on results over the course of the week and it has been an outstanding week with seven points from the nine available, including four points from teams who will with no doubt be targeting the title this season.

“There was a concern that after the high of our result on Tuesday at Mousehole there would be a sense of complacency, which we couldn’t afford to be the case, and full credit to the players because they have carried themselves superbly and prepared and performed well in that respect.

“I don’t think we’ll get much tougher games in terms of the type of game it was. Barnstaple were as direct as we’ve seen since moving into the Western League, and that causes huge problems.

“Their goalkeeper’s long distribution was excellent, and that subsequently leads to long throw ins and second phases around the box that come from that direct style, but I thought we dealt with that threat brilliantly and I couldn’t be more proud of the players.

“To be honest that style may have also helped us, we had identified Matt Andrew and Billy Tucker to be players who could really hurt us, but they were probably not really able to show their true qualities with the ball bypassing midfield so much

“But I thought our concentration and desire was impeccable particularly in the period of the 10 minute sin bin we had to get through in the latter stages of the game.”

Millbrook went 1-0 up through a great attack with man of the match Kieran O’Melia squaring for Foster, who scored his first goal on his first start of the season.

Brown said: “Foz has had a tough 12 months or so with injuries, he’s such an explosive player that does put you at risk of muscle injuries which he’s suffered from, especially off the back of covid when all players lost their conditioning for football.

“But one of my favourite sights in my time as Millbrook manager is watching Foz in full flow, chasing balls down the line into space, and his goal was a bit like that as he attacked the box, so hopefully we can manage him and keep him fit because he’s such a huge player for us.”

Barnstaple equalised five minutes before half-time and Brown said: “That was disappointing, a lapse of concentration perhaps, but we regrouped well and thought we could have nicked it in the second half, but the sin bin probably killed that momentum we were building in the last 20 minutes.

“The games are taking their toll, we’ve obviously got a few out who missed the game injured, and have lost a few more which is what happens when you play so much.

“But overall I’m delighted, a great point, a brilliant week, and now onto the next one.”

Which just happens to be a local derby against Saltash United at Jenkins Park tomorrow night (1945ko) before the return league match against Mousehole, also at home, on Saturday.

SWSN Star Kieran O’Melia

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