Darren Gilbert has named a 17-player squad to represent the Kernow Football Alliance in Sunday’s CONIFA World Football Cup qualifier against FA Sàpmi at Falmouth Town AFC, writes Tom Howe.
Prost Soccer Challenge Cup winning captain James Ward is included alongside Ollie Chenoweth, Will Tinsley, Max Gilbert, Mark Goldsworthy and Dan Jennings, all of whom turned out on that memorable day at Northwood FC.
Making their international bows will be Lewis Moyle, Harvey Mullis, Callum O’Brien, Shane White, Sam Gerken, Kyle Fraser, Harry Jeffery, Tim Nixon, Jack Symons and Andy Watkins.
There is also a place in the squad for Kernow Inclusive star, Gary Carpenter, who has captained the Black and Gold to 98 consecutive unbeaten matches, a run that includes glory at the George Best Community Cup in Northern Ireland just last month.
Speaking to Cornwall Sports Media, Gilbert said: “What we have got is enough quality in the side to go and win on Sunday. We have a bit of youth mixed with experience. There is bags of quality and hopefully, on the day, we can turn that into a good team performance.
“There is plenty of firepower. Dan Jennings won the South West Peninsula League golden boot last year and Mark Goldsworthy scores goals for fun. His work ethic is something else.
“We have real quality in midfield. Max Gilbert has had a great season and is hopefully going to push on again this year. Then you have your captain at the back, James Ward, who leads by example, always does and always will do.
“You have to base all that on a good goalkeeper and Ollie Chenoweth adds a lot of quality and experience to the side. I was always told you have to have a good spine to your team. With Ollie, Wardy, Gilby and Goldy, we have got that right.”
“It is a really good squad,” he continued. “We are all really looking forward to it and are honoured to be involved. Come and support us. It is going to be a cracking game and Bickland Park is always a nice place to play and visit.
“With your support, hopefully we can put on a good display and performance that will see us qualify for the World Football Cup in Kurdistan next year.”
Squad | Kernow Football Alliance (to face FA Sàpmi on Sunday, July 16, 2023):
Ollie Chenoweth
- Age: 31
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Club: Mousehole
Lewis Moyle
- Age: 19
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Club: Mousehole
James Ward (capt)
- Age: 30
- Position: Centre-Half
- Current Club: Falmouth Town
“I’m a commanding defender who likes to lead from the back. A ball playing centre half who likes to win the odd header and try to be a threat from set pieces.
“We are excited for the event against Sapmi and we are ready for the challenge. We are going into the game not knowing their strengths and weaknesses, which I believe will work in our favour.
“We are not looking too far ahead but making this tournament will be huge for Kernow and our footballing calibre on the map.”
Harvey Mullis
- Age: 18
- Position: Right-Back
- Current Club: Liskeard Athletic
“I’m a right back that likes to attack and defend, helping my team as much as I can to win a game.
“Seeing the quality in this squad makes me really happy to be part of it.”
Will Tinsley
- Age: 33
- Position: Right-Back
- Current Club: St Blazey
Callum O’Brien
- Age: 28
- Position: Centre-Half
- Current Club: Helston Athletic
Shane White
- Age: 33
- Position: CB / CM
- Current Club: Truro City
“I am an experienced player who has been lucky enough to be in some very successful teams. I will give everything I can on the pitch.
“I am delighted to be involved in this one off game and will do all I can to help Kernow achieve their goals.”
Sam Gerken
- Age: 30
- Position: Right-Back
- Current Club: Wadebridge Town
“I like to have a lot of the ball and be an attacking full-back who gets involved as much as possible in the game, maintaining high energy going forward and in defending.
“To play for Kernow has always been an ambition of mine since the team was created. I am excited and lucky to be involved and I can’t wait for the game.”
Kyle Fraser
- Age: 28
- Position: Left-Back
- Current Club: Mousehole
Harry Jeffery
- Age: 18
- Position: CM / CAM
- Current Club: Liskeard Athletic
“I’m a ball playing midfielder who is lively going forward and try to create chances and goals in the final third. I’ll always put in 100 per cent for the team and wear my heart on my sleeve.
“It’s a pleasure to be called up for such a big game. It will be a difficult test but I believe with the team we have we are more than capable of qualifying.”
Max Gilbert
- Age: 23
- Position: Central Midfield
- Current Club: Liskeard Athletic
“Playing for Kernow is very unique. It’s a different type of football and it’s nice to switch it up and play elsewhere other than your club.
“The team and staff are fantastic and hopefully we can qualify and go and win some trophies, as we’ve certainly got a good enough group of players to do so.”
Tim Nixon
- Age: 30
- Position: Winger
- Current Club: Mousehole
“I’m a technical winger that can play on either side. I like to play direct, to have the ball at my feet and I hope to contribute both goals and assists.”
Gary Carpenter
- Age: 28
- Position: LB / LW
- Current Club: Liskeard Athletic
“I like the ball at my feet, playing forward when I can. I am left footed but can play either side.
“Playing for Kernow is an honour and I am always proud to wear the badge.”
Jack Symons
- Age: 18
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Mousehole
Mark Goldsworthy
- Age: 32
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Mousehole
Dan Jennings
- Age: 31
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Liskeard Athletic
“It’s always a pleasure putting on the Kernow shirt and it’s a massive honour to be part of it. Hopefully we get the result we need. We have a very good squad. As a team, we are ready and can’t wait for Sunday.
“I like to make runs in behind and would like to say I am a goal poacher.”
Andy Watkins
- Age: 38
- Position: Forward / Winger
- Current Club: Launceston
“I thrive on receiving the ball on the half turn and look to link play with good movement.
“I’m honoured to be part of the current squad and, with the chance to get Kernow to a World Cup, this could be the cherry on the top of my career.”
Manager: Darren Gilbert
Coach: Andrew Graham
Goalkeeping Coach: Wayne Roberts
Physio: Lauren Lyndon-Hill
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