​Camelford 2, Illogan RBL 1

SKIPPER Dan Balsdon fired an injury time winner to send Camelford into the first Cornwall Senior Cup final in their history at Bodieve Park, Wadebridge, on Thursday night.

Reg Hambly's Carlsberg South West Peninsula League division one west side now face premier division champions Bodmin at Truro on Easter Monday, April 5.

Balsdon got on the end of a deflected Paul Menhinick free kick to direct a left foot shot past Illogan goalkeeper Barrie John Wyatt as a pulsating semi-final moved into its second minute of time added on.

The free kick had been awarded for a foul on Mark Gusterson by Illogan defender Ben Widdershoven, who was sent off for his second yellow card offence.

Balsdon's goal sparked wild celebrations among the Camels players and supporters, but it was harsh of Jolly's Cornwall Combination side Illogan, who matched them in all areas of the pitch in an end to end second half.

A goalless first half offered little hint of the drama to come. Camelford started strongly but Illogan had the two best chances, with Phil Willey and Luke Abbott Smith coming close.

The second half burst into action in the 52nd minute when referee Mark Philpott spotted a push by Adam Sleep on Danny Williams and awarded a penalty, which Simon Ellis smashed home to the delight of a noisy Illogan contingent in a crowd of more than 300.

But they were silenced within a minute as Camelford swept upfield from the restart and Mr Philpott had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot as Gusterson went down under a challenge from Matt Callaway.

Paul Menhinick stepped up to fire his left foot spot kick past Illogan keeper Wyatt and the scene was set for a tremendous last 35 minutes with both sides fully committed to pushing for the victory.

Camels fans thought Gusterson had scored with a looping close range header five minutes from time but his effort had landed on the top of the net, and Illogan breathed again . . . if only for a few minutes more.

Illogan's supporters, who occupied the grandstand, gave their players a standing ovation as they left the pitch at the end, and jeered at the referee, who they seemed to think had cost them the game.

Camelford: J Colwill, D Cann, A Young, M Haynes, D Balsdon (c), P Banks, S Parkyn, A Sleep, P Menhinick, M Gusterson, C Palin.

Illogan RBL: B J Wyatt, B Widdershoven, A Clarke (c), S Ellis, J Roberts, C Williams, L Abbott Smith, D Williams, P Willey, M Callaway, G Sturmey.

Referee: Mark Philpott (Falmouth).