Millbrook manager reflects on road to Wembley
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- Created on Monday, 21 December 2020 10:47
- Last Updated on Monday, 21 December 2020 11:22
- Published on Monday, 21 December 2020 10:47
- Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT Cornwall football's touchline ace
Two injury time goals from Rikki Shepherd came too late for Millbrook as their record-breaking FA Vase journey was brought to an end 3-2 by US Portsmouth at the Royal Navy's Victory Stadium.
The Cornish side never really recovered from conceding a penalty after only 15 seconds, and a second goal from USP immediately after half-time.
Despite Millbrook enjoying more possession in the second half, Wessex League division one side US Portsmouth added a third before the visitors’ late, late double.
It is the first time in their history Millbrook have reached the last 64 of the Vase - and the club are hungry for more next season.
Manager Mackenzie Brown said: “On the whole I’ve loved the Vase experience this season, it’s been a great learning curve for myself and the players leaving their Cornish comfort zones!
“There is a tinge of regret as we know we didn’t do ourselves justice on Saturday and I believe it is a game that in 12 months time we would win based on the experience we’ve had in the competition this season.
“Having to play after sitting on a coach for five hours is completely new to us and that’s why I’m so glad we did have that long away draw so we could taste that side of the game.
“It probably did have an impact on our performance which didn’t have our usual sharpness and quality.
“Saying that, we dominated the game in terms of possession, created some really clear chances and scored two goals, which should be enough to win the game.
“But we conceded a penalty after 15 seconds, then conceded two minutes after half-time and gifted them a free header from a set piece, so we can’t complain about being knocked out.
“The run has really brought a bit of pride back to the club; the exposure that comes with it is really positive which hasn’t always been the case with Millbrook in the last 10 years or so.
“The players can be proud of their efforts in taking the club as far as it has ever been in the competition.”
Millbrook C Wearing, J Richards, T Hall, R Hamilton, S Morcom, R Knight, J Wood, T Payne, L Murray, R Shepherd, J Foster.
Subs: D Chapman, E Goodman, L Robinson, J Styring, J Toulson, B Applegate, M Brown.
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