Kernow FA 2, FA Sápmi 1
On the basis that I’m not an avid spectator of pre-season friendlies, what better way for me to start my 2023-24 season than to choose a World Cup qualifier!
Admittedly it’s not “the World Cup” but with the opposition having travelled to Falmouth from across Northern Europe, the least I could do was make the 10-mile trip.
This particular match was one of a hatful of games that will be taking place this summer across Europe in the CONIFA World Football Cup Qualifiers, ahead of the competition proper scheduled for next year and to be staged in Kurdistan.
For the Kernow Football Alliance and FA Sápmi it was a winner takes all situation with a direct route into the finals.
With a good-looking surface at Bickland Park, the day saw a pre-match Press conference (above), national anthems and of course post-match celebrations which started with Kernow being presented with a cup for their victory.
The match was tight, as it was expected to be, and at half-time Kernow went in one goal up thanks to a Max Gilbert (below) shot from the edge of the penalty area which caught out the Sapmi goalkeeper thanks to a wicked deflection which ended up in the back of the visitors’ net.
The second half belonged to Kernow but it took a penalty to increase their lead. A foul on youngster Jack Symons allowed Dan Jennings to step up and coolly slot home from the spot kick.
An uncharacteristic mistake at the back from Kernow skipper James Ward (above) allowed the opposition to pull a goal back in added-on time but despite Sápmi pushing everyone up for a couple corners, it proved too late and so awaiting Kernow next is Kurdistan (which for those of us not sure - is apparently “not a country, but a cultural territory covering parts of eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, and northern Syria”).
Kernow’s line-up: - Ollie Chenoweth (Mousehole); Dave Barker (Helston Ath), James Ward (Falmouth Tn), Callum O’Brien (Helston Ath), Kyle Fraser (Mousehole); Shane White (Truro City), Max Gilbert (Liskeard Ath), Harry Jeffery (Liskeard Ath), Jude Boyd (Mousehole); Dan Jennings (Liskeard Ath), Mark Goldsworthy (Mousehole). Subs used: Harvey Mullis (Liskeard Ath), Andy Watkins (Launceston), Will Tinsley (St Blazey), Sam Gerken (Wadebridge Tn), Jack Symons (Mousehole). Not used: Gary Carpenter (Liskeard Ath), Lewis Moyle (Mousehole).
Manager: Darren Gilbert (Liskeard Ath); Coach: Andy Graham (Mousehole); Goalkeeping Coach: Wayne Roberts (Wadebridge Tn) and Physio: Lauren Lyndon-Hill (St Blazey).
Ref : Ian Roberts.
More about the history making day will appear in the next issue of the CORNISH SOCCER mag which should be available from the 24th July onwards. More information as to how to subscribe can be found on CORNISH SOCCER (pomelopay.com)
Also if you want to hear about how the Kernow FA came about, listen into the episode which appeared on the ‘CORNISH SOCCER talking football’ podcast on this link below (it was recorded back in November 2018)