Despite a fine battling performance, Foxhole completed their season with yet another defeat, but at least managed to avoid the massacre which Porthleven's early dominance threatened. Prompted by Thompson's clever touches and surging runs, the pacy home forwards were presented with a host of chances from the off. Impressive play between Timmins and Dan Stidwell created an opening for Fox which brought out the best in Ryan Holland, while the slender Thomas headed Thompson's cross tamely wide at the far post before Fox pulled an effort wide and Stidwell saw another effort saved by the keeper's legs. Defensively, the Foxes were all over the shop, but a change to 4-4-2 could only delay the inevitable until the twenty-second minute when Thompson scored at the second attempt. Timmins came close to doubling the lead almost immediately but Foxhole were to equalise on 27 with their first meaningful attack when Nicholls, looking suspiciously offside, did well to release Pinhammer who finished with aplomb. Griffin's shot which flew wide was further evidence that the visitors had at last settled, but were nevertheless relieved to see Stidwell's header from Ainscough's free-kick fly over the bar moments before the break.
Foxhole's best spell came after the restart with the home defenders struggling to cope with Griffin, whose poor cross after being found by Ansell's searching ball did Nicholls no favours, while both Bird and Griffin tried their luck from distance without unduly stretching Grey. Perhaps their best opportunity came on the hour when Nicholls nodded over Dingle's centre, a miss that took on even greater significance four minutes later when Thomas raced from halfway to beat Holland. Rowe, by now part of a three-man attack which also included Mackellar, was booked for a foul on Timmins, but, other than Pinhammer's drive from the edge of the box which was safely gathered, a second equaliser did not appear likely despite their palpable best efforts.
Foxhole (3-5-2): Ryan Holland; Adam Holland, Nick Carpenter, Richard Faircloth; Ross Pinhammer, Mark Rowe, CJ Bird, Scott Ansell, Michael Kempthorne (sub. Jordan Dingle); Liam Nicholls (sub. Tony Mackellar), Richard Griffin.
Porthleven (4-3-3): Jamie Grey; Ed Timmins, Chris Strike, Sam Buckler, Ashley Stidwell; Jamie Thompson, Paul Ainscough, Justin Searle (sub. Ben Medlin); Dan Stidwell, Alan Thomas, Matt Fox (sub. Jowan Shaneberge).
Referee: Mr Paul Windle (Penzance). |