Match Report

Grampound 0-0 St Columb Major

5th October 2019

Duchy League Division 3

With both teams being near the top of the division after major rebuilding over the summer, this was a crunch game, albeit early in the season.  Unfortunately, the county FA decided to not appoint an official referee to this game which was always going to be a tense affair and under their new rule a "local" ref had to be armstwisted into doing the game.  Mike Bawden stepped into the breach and had an excellent game.  The visitors started the better and threatened with every attack until Grampound got to grips with their opposition's pace.  Ryan Henderson only had one real save to make before the break when he blocked a shot from a freed striker and at the other end Dylan Fox will have been cross with himself for not doing better with his header from a cross by Martin Baker.

After half-time, St Columb threw men forward and Grampound's defenders had to be at their best to withstand a continuous onslaught.  Withstand it they did however and resolute defending by the starting back 4 and the subs that came on later kept the scoreline blank through good defending technique and real effort.  Every player gave his all as the team was put under immense pressure, defending cross after cross, but organised by Dean Dunn who lead by example at the back the team came through its most stringent examination yet this season.  Keeper Ryan Henderson made a couple of outstanding saves in goal in the second half, clinging on to a deflection from close range that looked as if it might be past him and heading for the net, followed by a fingertip save to a drive that diverted the ball onto the bar and  safety.  A determined and gritty performance deserved the point that was won from a team that will certainly be challenging for honours at the end of the season.