WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

Brixham 2 Liskeard Athletic 0

LISKEARD Athletic will be looking to rediscover their scoring form against Bridgwater in the FA Cup at Lux Park on Saturday after suffering a disappointing defeat to Brixham at Wall Park on Tuesday night.

After smashing seven goals in their previous two league matches in wins against Sidmouth and Brislington, the Blues were distinctly off colour in front of goal as Brixham – who were two leagues higher than the Cornishmen last season – registered their first league win since dropping down from Southern League Division One South.

Liskeard enjoyed the better of the possession in the opening half an hour and looked the more likely to score but found themselves 1-0 down to a 34th minute Charlie Shearer header following a cross in from the left.

George Newton.
Striker George Newton looks to break down the Brixham left-hand side. (Picture: Colin Hilton).

The second half was not so good from the visitors and Brixham’s second goal 15 minutes from time, scored by substitute Cole Harford, ended any hope of a comeback.

There could be no excuses about team selection as joint manager Darren Gilbert was able to choose from a full-strength squad, including a very strong bench which boasted the likes of Max Gilbert, Bailey Mabin, George Marris and Josh Robins.

This was their second defeat in four games since returning to the Western League, and the impression is that they are still finding their feet at this level.

Joint manager Darren Gilbert said: “It was one of those games where I was happy with the way we played for the most part but we couldn’t score.

“Apart from the last 15 minutes when we looked tired and stopped threatening, we were outstanding, but you’ve got to take your chances when you’re on top.

“We were a bit gullible at times, maybe four games inside two weeks caught up with us, but we’ll be training tonight (Thursday) and we’ll be ready for Saturday’s cup game.”

BRIXHAM: Marko Radanovic; Charlie Wills, Tyler Joint, Ryan Beattie, Tom Dunlop, Shay Corrick, Jacob Chisholm, Reece Summers, Charlie Shearer, Jonah Shaw, Tom Mortimore. Subs: Toby Hard, Alex Mykhailow, Cole Harford, Ben Aldous, Lucas Robinson.

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Tom Burstow; Ben Collins, Harvey Mullis (Josh Robins, 71), Harry Jeffery, Josh McCabe (Scott Sanders, 85), Matt Andrew (George Marris, 68), Toby Haley, James Lorenz, George Newton, Sean Thomson (Bailey Mabin, 63), Kai Gilbert (Max Gilbert, 49).

Liskeard Athletic man-of-the-match: Harry Jeffery.