Late FA Vase heartbreak for Liskeard Athletic

LISKEARD paid the price for failing to take their chances when substitute Jaden Maslen struck a fine winner for Brixham deep into stoppage-time at Lux Park on Saturday.

The Blues had led through a Harry Jeffery penalty in the 29th minute but after Kieran Parkin levelled just before the hour, it was game on and both sides had opportunities.

Liskeard’s frustration boiled over in the 79th minute when the already-booked Jeffery, having been struck on the jaw, retaliated and was sent off for a second yellow card.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side pressed hard for a winner but were ultimately caught out by Maslen’s strike in the fifth of 10 minutes of time added on.

The Blues gave a debut to Liskeard-based Ollie Chenoweth, who had rejected their overtures last month before changing his mind last week.

Chenoweth, who starred for Mousehole for several seasons at a higher level, is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Cornwall and replaces teenage keeper Tom Burstow, who has left the club after a short stay.

Saturday’s tie was scrappy for almost half an hour before the penalty award, given harshly against Brixham skipper Ryan Beattie for raising an arm to stop a Harry Probyn cross.

Jeffery stepped up to fire the spot-kick into the net, although keeper Marko Radovanovic got a strong hand to the ball and was frustrated not to have kept it out.

Chenoweth’s first significant contribution came on the stroke of half-time when he leapt to his right to turn away a Parkin free-kick and preserve Liskeard’s advantage at the break.

Max Gilbert came close to doubling their lead nine minutes into the second half with a rasping volley which Radovanovic spectacularly lifted over the bar.

But it was all square four minutes later when Parkin, striding forward from defence, tried a shot from 25 yards which bounced awkwardly in front of Chenoweth and ended in the net.

Liskeard should have gone back in front after 69 minutes when James Lorenz’s excellent cross from the left picked out Harvey Mullis on the far post, but somehow Radovanovic kept out the defender’s downward header.

Five minutes later there was another golden opportunity for the home side as Gilbert’s majestic pass from inside his own half setting George Newton clear. He was eventually caught by a defender, but the ball broke to Probyn who should have done better than the weak shot he produced.

A minute later Sean Thomson found himself in the centre of the penalty area, but despite taking his time he lifted his volley over.

Then came the red card which set up a niggly finale during which Brixham fired a warning in the second minute of stoppage time with Maslen going through on the left. However, his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Chenoweth.

But the killer blow came when Maslen intelligently flicked a volley at the near post to spark wild Brixham celebrations.

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Ollie Chenoweth; Harvey Mullis, Josh Robins, Harry Jeffery, Josh McCabe (capt, Scott Sanders, 90+7), Toby Haley, Max Gilbert, James Lorenz, George Newton, Sean Thomson, Harry Probyn. Subs not used: Ben Collins, Kai Gilbert.

Referee: Michael Lazarus.

Attendance: 149.

Liskeard Athletic man-of-the-match: Max Gilbert.