By Kevin Marriott
WARD WILLIAMS CORNWALL SENIOR CUP FINAL PREVIEW – Saturday, May 10 at Newquay AFC (2pm)
Falmouth Town v AFC St Austell
ST AUSTELL could be forgiven for going into tomorrow’s final with revenge at the top of their agenda after losing to Falmouth in heartbreaking fashion last year.
The Lillywhites led 2-1 going into time added on at the end of extra-time and appeared to have one hand on the prestigious trophy.
But Falmouth scored twice in three minutes to turn the encounter on its head.
Fate decided that the teams would meet again in this season’s final – but St Austell manager Chris Knight insists there is no talk of revenge among his squad.
Knight said: “People have asked me about last year and the truth is as soon as it’s done you move on. Football is so fast moving and our first season in the Western League means we haven’t had a second to think about it.
“It’s a totally new season and a year on so I don’t think that has any bearing on it personally.”
But ever since the Lillywhites clinched their place in the final by pulling off a shock 3-1 win over Mousehole on March 5, there’s little doubt that the county’s football showpiece hasn’t been far from their minds.
Results didn’t go well immediately after that semi-final triumph – they lost three successive league games and went five without a win – but they did finish their first season at Step Five with victories over St Blazey and Saltash United.
Knight said: “Being in the final is a nice way to end the season for us with something to play for. Every team starts the season wanting something to play for right up until the end and this gives us just that.
“As always playing Falmouth means the game will have a brilliant atmosphere, the fact that it’s at Newquay also means unlike at Wendron we should also have good support which I’m hoping may help us on the day.”
He went on: “Obviously we are huge underdogs again and that’s fine; you have to respect them and their club.
“But I’m delighted with how we’ve done this season in very difficult circumstances and to win two local derbies coming into it is the boost we needed.
“We are looking forward to it and we will go into it with all we have and see what happens.”
It’s impossible to know what Falmouth are thinking about Saturday’s match – manager Andy Westgarth preferred to say nothing when asked – but they will know they are likely to face an equally tough challenge to last season.
Falmouth have just completed their first season at Southern League level in an impressive ninth position and finished with three successive victories.
They will be expected to see off the Lillywhites with something to spare, but as last year’s final illustrated, football is rarely like that.
HOW THEY GOT TO THE FINAL
Falmouth: Saltash a 3-0; Newquay h 5-3; Bude a 4-1; Helston n 3-2.
St Austell: Torpoint h 6-2; Wadebridge a 4-1; Mousehole n 3-1.