Gilbert runs the show as Liskeard return to winning ways against Wellington

PLAY-OFF hopefuls Liskeard rediscovered their scoring touch at Lux Park on Saturday with a four-goal victory over struggling Wellington – despite missing another penalty.

The Blues suffered incredible frustration in front of goal in their previous two games at Buckland Athletic (1-1) and Newquay (1-2), but despite being without several key players on Saturday, they bounced back with goals from George Marris, Kai Gilbert, James Lorenz and Jack Crago, the latter his first goal since joining from Tavistock a fortnight ago.

Crago also had a penalty saved, becoming the third different Liskeard player to spurn a spot-kick in two games after Harry Jeffery and James Lorenz at Mount Wise in midweek.

Joint manager Wayne Gamble said: “Saturday’s game was all about getting the three points. After a disappointing couple of games, not picking up the points we wanted regardless of the performances, we know we have to try to stay around the play-offs.

“Another missed penalty had us thinking ‘here we go again’, but we found some rhythm and could have easily scored seven or eight goals. It speaks volumes that in our last three games the opposition keepers have got their man of the match awards.”

Gamble went on: “Kai Gilbert stole the show with the man-of-the-match award. At 16 he’s playing like he’s made 200 league appearances.

“This lad will go to the top, he’s super talented and a great kid who wants to learn. Scored a great goal also yesterday, rounding off a great display.”

Liskeard enjoyed the better of the attacking opportunities throughout the contest, although Wellington worked hard defensively, with Jack Lewis making several important interventions and goalkeeper Luke Vernon producing a string of fine saves, including the penalty.

The Tangerines survived a scare midway through the first half when the referee awarded Liskeard a penalty following a challenge by Vernon on a home striker. But the keeper made amends by producing a superb stop from Crago’s spot-kick to keep the scores level.

Wellington almost made the most of that reprieve immediately afterwards, breaking forward at the other end where Lewis Oaten forced Liskeard goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth into a smart save.

However, the breakthrough arrived for the Blues five minutes later when Marris latched on to a long ball over the top and slotted past Vernon to give them the lead.

Liskeard doubled their advantage two minutes later. A move down the left ended with the ball being played across the penalty area where Crago finished into the top corner.

After the break, more Liskeard pressure eventually told in the 52nd minute when a ball pulled back across the box found Gilbert, who drove his effort into the net to extend their advantage.

Wellington continued to work hard defensively, but Liskeard added a fourth after 65 minutes as a loose ball fell to Lorenz who fired home.

Sixteen-year-old Ruben Montague came on for his senior Liskeard debut with 20 minutes to go, replacing Harry Probyn, and Gamble said: “He did himself and his family proud. He was excellent. We played him on the right of the three up top. He was absolutely fearless, it was a superb debut, so proud of him.”

Liskeard travel to old rivals Bovey Tracey on tomorrow night (7.30pm) before leaders Bridgwater United visit Lux Park on Saturday (3pm).

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Ollie Chenoweth (capt); Ben Cross, Ben Collins, Kai Gilbert, Scott Sanders, Toby Haley, Matt Andrew (Josh McCabe, 56), James Lorenz, George Marris (Harry Jeffery, 61), Harry Probyn (Ruben Montague, 71), Jack Crago (Rio Daly, 81).

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