Thoughts from the gaffer.

Torpoint 2 - 1 St Teath

Goals from WestallC x2.

Lineup: WestallM, Quintrell, Carter, WhiteS, WhiteJ, Robbins, Cotter, Northcott, Eversfield, WestallC, Easterbrook.

Subs: Hussey, Payn, Blair, Bays.

A strong squad including 8 teenagers took to The Mill once more for the Cup 1/4 final against a robust St Teath side.

Torpoint started on the front foot, with multiple crosses from poor areas filling the Teath box but dealt with well. A free kick wide on the left was taken by specialist Robbins and the ball smashed against the woodwork on the far side when it looked in. Struck superbly it couldn't have been more than millimetres from being 1-0.

The game came alive in the 15th min, when a poor challenge from Treverton resulted in a red card. From my viewpoint it looked the right decision, aided by the reaction of both sets of players. Robbins also received a booking for his charge at the referee who couldn't react quick enough to tell BR0 he was going to do as demanded anyway. Additional £12 to the CCFA, easy. I'm glad to say, this was the only tackle during the game that I believe warranted a card, and no more followed. The St Teath gaffer got booked for his reaction to the incident and a sub entering the field of play later on got a card (schoolboy), but that was it. Mr McCulloch is a good official and the game was uneventful after the red card due to his firm dealing of the situation.

Torpoint took the lead in the 24th min, with the home side making their way down the wings with ease due to a now narrow 4-3-2 from the visitors. Robbins had the time to deliver a Beckham-like cross and it was met with quality by the movement and good header of Skipper WestallC. But this did not deter St Teath. Down to 10, they were buoyed and worked their socks off to turn the tide. And they did. In the 30th minute Barrett twisted inside the box and struck the ball into the net for the equaliser. A shell shock for the man advantage. Torpoint did regain the lead in the 41st after strong forward play from WestallC again to lead 2-1 at the break. But this was only maintained by a superb block by WhiteS after initially being turned inside out.

A disappointing first half despite the lead, considering time and space on the ball out wide and being outworked against a numerical disadvantage. I lost count of how many shots were taken from 25-30yds when the ball could've been worked out wide to create better opportunities, or poor crosses into the box from deep when 2v1 up against an isolated full back.

Two changes at the break with Hussey on at full back and Payn into midfield. But no more goals in the second half. Numerous big chances went begging. The goal hungry Easterbrook and WestallC could've and should've added to their season tallies to put the game to bed. But off target efforts, simple saves or blocked shots were the theme of the half for the whole side. It was a little frantic in the last part of the game, but fortunately the impressive Edwards couldn't carve a clear cut opportunity for himself or his team. His one memorable effort from 20yds was side footed whiskers wide after a good turn.

Thankful to progress in the end despite the chances created. Imagine if St Teath had travelled with a stronger squad and had the options of substitutes they could've asserted more energy into their fight back. But maybe their efforts were only so high after the red card, who knows? A good bunch really. Not a dirty side despite the red card and the manager was apologetic too. Doesn't happen a lot so respect where it's due. Far from the worst side in the league and will not be in trouble with Edwards causing any defence an issue. Don't be fooled by the veteran, he can play.

Onto Saturday, a must not lose for both sides with the joint top clash away vs Altarnun.