Cornwall start with 2-0 win over Maldon

WESTERN BUREAU:

Cornwall College (CC), despite a below-par performance, kicked off their ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup campaign with a 2-0 home win over Maldon yesterday.

The 12-time champions are traditionally slow starters, which was again evident from a lacklustre first half with the only real moment of excitement being from Braxton Richards' 17th-minute goal that gave CC the lead.

The host came out a bit better in the second half with a pattern of play that created some opportunities, but it wasn't until the 72nd minute before Jaden Jumpp netted their second goal.

Three minutes later, the red-and-gold Cornwall found themselves a bit concerned after Dane Buckle was shown a straight red card for violent conduct with an elbow to the face of an opponent on a corner kick. Maldon failed to offer much threat, however, despite having the player advantage.

Warren Barrett, assistant coach of CC, believes their performance left a lot to be desired despite the win. He also noted that they have to be wary of their traditional slow start.

"I'm far from satisfied. The only good thing from the game was the three points. There are a number of areas where we could have done better and have to improve," Barrett said.

"It wasn't all bad. We created a number of opportunities and managed to convert two. It's just the first game and, hopefully, it will be a long season so we will take it in stride.

"Yes, over the years, we tend to start slowly and as the season progresses the team gets better, however, you can't always follow the trend of yesteryears because it does mean it will happen. They need to realise that when they are playing these types of opposition you have to put your foot down from early and dominate, " he added.

Coach of Maldon, Dillon Thelwell, bemoaned inadequate preparation and stage fright for his team's demise and believes they will be better against Irwin on Saturday.

"The performance was not that bad but I think the boys were a bit nervous because it's the first game. We only can grow and learn from this and, hopefully by the next game we can give a better account of ourselves.

"It is difficult for us because we were doing some work on our field. I think that was one of our downfalls because we didn't get the right preparation," Thelwell said.