Grampound Archives 2007-08
Match Report
Grampound 3-0 Tamarside
Sunday 18th March 2008
Devon & Cornwall Supplementary Cup Final
at Roche FC
Grampound won a stunning victory as they outplayed a strong Tamarside team and deservedly lifted Grampound's first trophy in many years. Tamarside started strongly and looked very comfortable on the ball but did not really threaten, and as the first half unfolded it was Grampound who looked the more threatening. Tamarside's back four were having difficulty coping with Grampound's pace and several times Glyn Ford was put clear only for the Tamarside keeper to make a good save. Grampound eventually took the lead when a free kick out on the left was hit to the far post where Andrew Hearne tucked away a header neatly into the corner. Grampound's football was now beginning to open up their worried opponents at will and the best move of the game came when Glyn Ford was released down the right where he wriggled past a couple of defenders. His pinpoint cross was met perfectly by Mike Saunders at the far post and his powerful header thumped into the roof of the net, only to be denied by a linesman's flag for an offside in the build up. Grampound were still celebrating this goal that wasn't as Tamarside created probably their best chance of the day, only to be foiled by a terrific last ditch tackle by Ian Grigg. Just before half time, Glyn Ford was again released and he outpaced the pursuing defenders and this time planted his shot in the corner to give Grampound a well-deserved two goal half time lead.
The start of the second half saw Tamarside come out strongly and press Grampound back, but Grigg and Leaney were very solid at centre back, and Cooper and Ridd in midfield were in commanding form. In spite of their pressure, Tamarside were unable to penetrate a very solid defence and on the break it was Grampound who looked most likely to score. Neat passing just outside the Tamarside penalty box ended with Saunders putting John Ward clear but the goalkeeper made an outstanding save to keep them in the game. More good interplay down the left between Hearne and Ford saw the striker cross perfectly into the run of Alister Berry who could not quite finish as he wanted. Ten minutes from time pressure from Grampound forced a mistake and Hearne was able to chip into an unguarded net for his second and the clinching goal. There was still time for a little drama at the other end when Tamarside were awarded a rather fortunate penalty for handball when a free kick was hit into the wall, but Grampound knew it was going to be their day when the spot kick was hit against the bar and over. Celebrations at the end of the game in the Roche clubhouse and later at the Dolphin Inn continued for some hours!