The Brunel Cup

 Cornwall Girls U18s 1 – 2 Devon Girls U18s

Played at Newquay Football Club, Mount Wise Newquay 02.04.2022

In a game of few chances Devon just edged this 5^th leg match of the Brunel Cup series of matches between the two counties played immediately following the under 16s match.

Cornwall were on the offensive straight from the kick-off but were unable to break through Devon’s well organised back line. Devon drew first blood however, Tiana Campbell (Plymouth Argyle) breaking down the left side and lashing home from outside the box to give her team a 4^th minute lead.

In the 8^th minute Cornwall almost drew level, a long range strike from Millie Buist drawing a good save from Ellie Mitchell (Bridgwater United) in goal for Devon.

There was good quality on show as both teams passed the ball with confidence in what was becoming a difficult afternoon as the weather closed in. In the 17^th minute Devon almost doubled their advantage Lilly Burton (Exeter City), put through by Ellie Bishop (Torquay United), bringing a good save out of the Cornwall custodian, Freya Speer at the cost of a corner, which came to naught. Two minutes later it was Burton again being denied by Speer, who was by far the busier of the two keepers.

In the 27^th minute Devon went further ahead as a pinpoint corner from Rosie Train (Plymouth Argyle) found Ellen Dixon (Bridgwater United) at the near post to head home. Two nil to Devon who were looking comfortable although both sets of players were showing plenty of commitment with some crunching tackles. Some terrific defending by both teams ensured that there was no further scoring before half time.

Both teams made a number of substitutions at the start of the second half but it was Cornwall who settled first. In the 51^st minute they halved the deficit, Beth Ireland bursting through to score  a fantastic individual goal. From the restart Devon went straight on the attack and were unlucky not to restore their two goal advantage, Taylor Ford (Plymouth Argyle) striking just wide from the left side of the box.

As the temperature cooled and the rain got heavier both teams were pressing well in midfield and few chances were being created. Devon had a good opportunity in the 64^th minute, Lexie Watts (Bridgwater United) hitting the bar with a long range effort. Two minutes later it was Cornwall’s turn, Katie Barriball firing just wide from the edge of the box.

There were two more opportunities as the rain came down, one for each team. In the 71^st minute Isla Brumhead (MAP) for Devon got on the end of a cross from Ford, but her effort was well saved. Cornwall had a good chance to level when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Emily Creach seeing her shot easily dealt with by Maddi Curno.

The final whistle came with Devon leading by two goals to one and thus going ahead for the first time in the competition. The sixth and final match of the series between the two counties men’s teams is due to take place at St Blazey on 11^th May at 7.30pm.

Star player – Ellen Dixon (Devon)

Devon Squad:

Ellie Bishop

Isla Brumhead

Lilly Burton

Tiana Campbell

Maddy Curno

Ellen Dixon

Taylor Ford

Libby Gimson

Siana Goddard

Alice Gue

Emma Hunt

Scarlett McMahon

Ellie Mitchell

Ruby Murphy

Millie Robinson

Rosie Train

Lexie Watts

Written by Dennis Smith

Devon County FA