On the 14^th December, Polzeath Monday took on Looe Town Flexi in the Callywith Flexi-League Phase 1 Final, with Polzeath lifting the trophy after winning 3-1.

The Callywith Flexi-League provides open age football opportunities through mid-week games running on fortnightly schedule. The format provides two leagues who play their fixtures on a Monday or Tuesday running in two phases across the season.

This year’s Phase 1 of the Callywith Flexi-League concluded with a final between Polzeath Monday and Looe Town Flexi. Polzeath Monday progressed to this year’s final after winning 2-0 against their other Flexi-League team Polzeath Tuesday. Looe Town Flexi took on AFC Bodmin Flexi in the other semi-final which resulted in a 1-0 win for Looe, setting up a Polzeath Monday vs Looe Town Flexi final.

Under the lights at Callywith College, both sides arrived confident after a successful Phase 1 outing. The final kicked off at 7:15pm, with Polzeath wasting no time in taking one step closer to the trophy, scoring two goals in quick succession to put them 2-0 up against Looe within 10 minutes.

As the game progressed, Looe started to get a foothold into the game however Polzeath’s slick, free flowing football continued to cause problems for Looe, with their goalkeeper making a fantastic double save to keep the score at 2-0. However, despite Looe‘s best efforts, Polzeath added a third goal with a low strike across goal.

Towards, the end of the first half Looe started to maintain possession for longer periods, leading to an attacking spell down the left-hand side seeing their forward being fouled inside the penalty area. A penalty was awarded by the referee providing a chance for Looe to get back into the game after they converted the subsequent penalty.

Half time score: Polzeath Monday 3 – 1 Looe Town Flexi.

The referees whistle signaled the start of the second half with Looe determined to get back into the game and build on their improved performance towards the end of the first half. More resilient defending from Looe halted Polzeath’s attacking spells with both team’s trying to get another goal. Looe were able to catch Polzeath off-guard with several counter attacks coming close to a second goal however Polzeath continued to create chances through their quick passing.

Unfortunately for Looe Town Flexi, they were reduced to 10 men in the latter stages of the second half with Polzeath regaining control of the game, allowing them to see out a 3-1 victory.

Full time score: Polzeath Monday 3 – 1 Looe Town Flexi

Cornwall FA Football Development Officer Joshua Stockdale added, “we are delighted with the growth of Flexible Football across the county and to be able to host a semi-final and final for this year’s Callywith Flexi-League’s Phase 1 is great for everyone involved. One key benefit of Flexi-Football is that league provides the platform for local teams to give younger players opportunities to participate in open age football with the view of more players transitioning into adult football. It was clear to see this taking place during Phase 1 as lots of younger players have taken part, giving them valuable playing experience.

We look forward to welcoming the returning teams to Phase 2 in the new year”.

If you would like to explore joining the Flexi-Leagues across the county, please contact Joshua.stockdale@cornwallfa.com or click here for more information.

Congratulations Polzeath Monday