BODMIN TOWN 1-2 EBBSFLEET UNITED – FLEET FIND STUBBORN BODMIN HARD TO BREAK…

Two goals from trialists gave the Fleet a narrow victory in the West Country after hosts Bodmin Town had taken the lead in what proved to be a far tougher test than against their fellow South West Peninsula League rivals Torpoint Athletic.

In a scrappy encounter, Stacy Long saw a shot scrape the woodwork and the Fleet had another chance cleared off the line, though Bodmin weren’t without chances of their own, scuffing a shot high over Lance Cronin’s crossbar when clean through. However, the Cornish side took the lead shortly before half-time when a hesitant defence afforded Cronin little protection from a sweetly struck shot.

But the Fleet were back in proceedings in the second-half when Ricky Shakes made good work of a run down the right and fed substitute Echanomi who tucked away his chance with aplomb. Ex-League of Ireland defender Dean Pooley won it for the visitors, with his second goal in two games, heading home a corner from close range.

TEAM: Cronin, Hawkins, Opinel, Smith, McCarthy, Barrett, Stone, Long, Shakes, Gash, Akinde. Subs: Echanomi, Purcell, tbc.