Kernow hammer Cascadia 8-1 to take home Prost Soccer Challenge Cup

Kernow inflicted Cascadia’s heaviest-ever defeat to claim the inaugural Prost Soccer Challenge Cup at the Fenton Engineering Stadium.

With picturesque scenery provided by eighth-tier hosts, Northwood FC, Darren Gilbert’s side cruised to victory with goals from Tallan Mitchell, Hayden Turner, Harry Clarke, two from Dan Jennings and a standout hat-trick from Max Gilbert.

Cascadia were not expected to fold over as easily as they did with names amongst their lineup such as former Canadian international Gavin McCallum who was looking to score on his second international debut, having initially done so for the Canucks in 2010.

Gilbert’s men got off to a better start and should have taken the lead. Mark Goldsworthy spun Cascadian skipper Patrick Wilson after receiving the ball from a throw-in on the left-hand side. His cross deflected off keeper James Mayo, but strike partner Jennings could only head over the bar from close range.

It wasn’t long until Kernow got the goal they deserved though. After receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Mitchell produced a great piece of skill and struck a crisp finish into the bottom corner to send the Kernow camp wild.

Winger Turner soon doubled the advantage following more impressive link-up play from Goldsworthy. His ball allowed Turner to cut inside and fire past Mayo to provide Cascadia boss James Nichols with an uphill task.

Goldsworthy deserved a goal, and he should have made it three. After Gilbert was smartly played through, the midfielder squared to Goldsworthy for what looked like a simple tap in. But Kernow’s all-time top goalscorer somehow spooned his effort away from goal.

The striker then failed to connect with Will Tinsley’s cross from the right-hand side which led to a sliced clearance from a Cascadian defender. But Gilbert was on hand to convert and extend his team’s lead.

Kernow were fitter, sharper, and ultimately better than their North American counterparts who were restricted to speculative efforts from range throughout the first half before they were handed a lifeline in the 36^th minute.

Excellent skill from wide-man Kellen Fisher drew a mistimed challenge in the penalty area from James Ward, which gave referee Stuart Kyle no choice but to point to the spot. Max Oldham converted the penalty confidently to reduce the deficit.

The half-time whistle arrived with Gilbert presumably the happier out of the two managers. But with Cascadia netting before the interval, Nichols was provided with a glimmer of hope.

That glimmer diminished less than five minutes after the restart. A swift move from back to front included yet another sublime piece of technical play from Goldsworthy who cushioned the ball at shoulder height to play through Gilbert, as the midfielder smashed home an impressive half-volley after a loose first touch.

Gilbert -no relation to his manager- completed a well-deserved hat-trick after firing home from inside the penalty area following an impressive solo run. A goal worthy of being captured on Prost’s global broadcast with viewers tuning in from the likes of North America and Asia.

Half-time Kernow substitute Cam Turner played an inch-perfect pass over the defensive line to find fellow sub Clarke who cheekily lobbed Mayo to rub salt in the Cascadian wounds. Without a doubt, they made an instant impact to make it 6-1.

Will Tinsley’s ball across the face of goal was tapped home by Jennings who wrote the wrongs of his earlier missed opportunity to make it seven-heaven for the Cornish.

Had Jennings converted that aforementioned chance he would have ended up with a hat-trick after bundling in a set-piece opportunity to bring the goalscoring proceedings to a close with the final score at 8-1.

Whilst Jennings managed to find the net twice, Goldsworthy should feel incredibly hard done by. His work ethic as well as his quality in possession proved to be priceless for Gilbert’s side. Prost understands the striker even booked a London hotel to gain a good night’s sleep, he must have left his shooting boots in the lobby though.

There was only one contender for the man of the match award. Those in Kernow do not consider Max Gilbert as a goalscoring threat from midfield, but his intelligent, well-timed runs into the penalty area for his first and third goals combined with a clinical finish for his second suggest he has added a new dimension to his game.

Kernow FA chairman, Jason Heaton sang the praises of the Cornish players when speaking to Prost. “I’m just massively delighted for the team. They‘ve put so much hard work in for such a long period of time without any games in between.”

Heaton also explained just how much it meant to have Kernow fans alongside the team. “It means everything. Cornwall is a family-orientated place and everyone that came today is part of our family!

Speaking to Prost, captain Ward expressed his delight at the fact his side performed so admirably. “It’s a big day for the county being our first away game, and I thought the boys were brilliant from the off. We talked about implementing everything we’ve worked on in training, and I think we did that.

The captain was keen to acknowledge that Cascadia were gracious in defeat and gave “quite a few complements” despite the thrashing. It is believed both parties are hoping that this fixture is the start of a strong relationship.

From a Cascadian perspective, it was a dull afternoon, even if the clouds were replaced by sunlight at full-time. Several late dropouts left Nichols with an improbable mission, so he cannot be blamed. But the scoreline was a fair one despite the significant margin.

Those in attendance appeared to enjoy the game whilst there was an abomination of positive comments coming through online, praising the work of those ensuring the match ran smoothly.

The community feel that football provides was there to be seen at the Fenton Engineering Stadium. And whilst it is easy for both teams to get wrapped up in the result, there’s a lot to be said for the return of normality to football games at a variety of levels. Let’s hope that football and most importantly life continue in this manner.

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