Cornwall U18 2, Sussex U18 1 (aet)

After 120 minutes of enthralling action at Blaise Park between two well matched teams, Cornwall moved forward to a semi-final against Leicestershire & Rutland or Durham for the first time in almost 20 years on Saturday.

On chances created Cornwall will feel they probably edged this tie but with the Sussex keeper on fine form and a dangerous front line this game was always in the balance, however Glynn Hooper's side got the win which makes them only the third U18 Cornwall side to get to the semi final of The FA County Youth Cup, the last time being in the 1998/99 season.

Sussex started brightly and had more possession in the opening staged but never really threatened the Cornwall goal and gradually Cornwall worked their way into the game.

On Cornwall's first real foray into the Sussex half Oli Walker won a corner and from that corner came the first real opportunity. Cameron Turner's fine delivery was met by the head of Joel Allen but his effort was straight at the keeper. Cornwall seemed to gain confidence from this and Ed Harrison and Cam Turner in central midfield started to exert their influence on the game, although Sussex remained dangerous and only Luke Gwillam coming out to quickly to deny an on rushing Sussex striker kept the scores level.

The next chance for Cornwall fell to Josh Penrose who was put through following a great Matt Buchan through ball, Penrose rounded the keeper and just when it looked like he was going to finish the Sussex defender got back to make a great last ditch tackle.

Penrose had the presence of mind to keep the ball in play and lay it back to Joe Adkins whose powerful drive was well saved again by the Sussex keeper. Buchan was next to go close when he flashed a header just wide from a delightful Ed Harrison free kick. Sussex tried to press forward but found centre halves Joel Allen and skipper Charlie Hambly were in no mood to give anything away.

More chances came and went with Buchan seeing a snap shot saved and Allen having a header cleared off the line and on the one occasion the back line was breached Gwillam was alert to keep out the Sussex attack.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the 1st with Sussex pinning Cornwall back but once again the Cornwall back 4 stood strong and snuffed out the threat.

Cornwall again grew into the half and Walker and Penrose on the wings started to cause problems, ably supported full backs Josh Otto and James Heywood Cornwall again created the better chances. Shots from distance by Turner and Penrose went close but the best chance fell to Adkins who was put through one on one only to see his effort saved again by the Sussex keeper who was enjoying a fine game.

The commitment and effort of both teams was evident and sadly for Cornwall they lost Matt Buchan to injury following a 50/50 challenge with the Sussex keeper, Jack Rapsey his replacement up front.

Sussex were still seeing plenty of the ball though and had their moments, only Luke Gwillam at full stretch kept out a powerful drive from distance. Both sides looked to win it in normal time but no breakthrough came and we headed to Extra Time.

Cornwall started extra time brilliantly and took the lead after two minutes, Cam Turner whose deliveries had caused havoc all day whipped in the corner and this time Joel Allen made no mistake as he glanced into the far corner.

This seemed to fire up Sussex who had a good spell and within five minutes they were level following a scramble in the box the ball made it's way to the Sussex winger who played a lifted ball to the back post for an easy finish.

The second half of extra time was stretched and the game was finely poised, however it was Cornwall who got the decisive goal.

Charlie Hambly won the ball in the middle of the park and produced a glorious pass to Josh Penrose on the right hand side, with the keeper rushing out Penrose got to the ball a split second quicker and was bought down in the area and referee Jamie Durkin pointed to the spot.

After a slight delay Jack Rapsey calmly fired home to give Cornwall the lead. Sussex had one final attack in the closing stages but the winger was denied by a fabulous last ditch Josh Otto tackle and after defending one last corner it was Cornwall who won an enthralling encounter.

Cornwall: Luke Gwillam (Liskeard Athletic), Josh Otto (Mousehole), James Heywood (Camelford), Joel Allen (Porthleven) Charlie Hambly (capt, Camelford), Ed Harrison (Camelford), Josh Penrose (Camelford), Cameron Turner (Newquay), Matt Buchan (Helston Athletic), Joe Adkins (Camelford), Oliver Walker (Falmouth Town)

Subs - Alfie Flack (AFC St Austell) for James Heywood, Jack Rapsey (Newquay) for Matt Buchan, Max Roberts (RNAS Culdrose) Joel Allen, Jack Webber (Porthleven), Tiago Soares (Godolphin Atlantic)