A St Austell based footballer, with an ambition to become the first professional player with Cystic Fibrosis, has ended the season with more clean sheets (25) than Premier League record holder Petr Čech (24).
Goalkeeper, Morgan Coxhead, joined Falmouth Town from Truro City reserves at the start of the 2023-24 season and, after playing his last game of the season May 12, has much to celebrate.
In 33 league games, the 20-year-old conceded only 21 goals – enough to help his team make club history and secure promotion into the Southern League. The team also won their Cornwall Senior Cup final against St Austell and made it to the quarter finals of the FA Vase.
In total, Coxhead, who rose three leagues in the last two years, has played 50 league and cup games this season – keeping a clean sheet in half of them. CHAOS Radio were on the scene to find out more!
“Falmouth Town manager, Westy (Andrew Westgarth), has made this season a series of firsts for me,” he said. “He was determined to get me as his number one goalie, and his support since has been unwavering.
“Having my first goalie coach (Wayne Roberts) has been a game changer. There’s no doubt it’s been hard work but I think it’s paid off. Of course, behind every clean sheet is a brilliant team, and Westy has assembled just that – both on and off the pitch.
“[I’ve also got] my first sponsor. This is someone who has spent his life supporting the club. He did his research and wanted to support me from the get-go. Having someone believe in me like that really bolstered my confidence.
“The support of the club’s fans, the ‘F-Troop,’ has been indescribable. Their vocal backing, even in the face of defeat, has been a source of immense motivation – not only for me but the entire team.”
Roberts, a goalkeeping coach for more than 20 years, added: “I can’t stress enough how much effort Morgan puts into his sessions, week-in and week-out. I’ve pushed him more than any other ‘keeper and he always gives it his all.
“It’s incredible to think he does all this while fighting Cystic Fibrosis. A ‘keeper is a tough position to play, yet Morgan has listened and taken on every aspect we’ve worked on.
“He’s grown technically, mentally, and emotionally throughout the season. Morgan’s on an incredible
journey, he’s one determined young man, and it’s been great working with him during his debut Falmouth Town season.”
Season Highlights:
- Working his first goalie coach: Wayne Roberts.
- Achieving his first sponsor: John Rees.
- Experiencing the support of the F-Troop – “They have a chant to make every situation and player feel better.”
- Experiencing 1-2-1 coaching with Brian Tregunna – “As a former member of the fire services, Brian understands psychology and how to keep your head in the game under pressure.”
- Enduring a pre-season ultra fitness challenge organised by Falmouth manager, Andrew Westgarth, with tri-services – “It was basically a team bonding session but it was the hardest challenge I’ve ever done and I’ve completed an Ironman and the 24-hour nonstop Warrior Games.”
- A journey to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase – “This took us to Jersey who were so welcoming, and we were accompanied by some of the F-Troop who hired a private plane to come and support us.”
- A training session with the legendary David Seaman, organised with thanks to the Willow
Foundation – “David gave me a tip that I was able to use in a penalty save in our game against Bridgwater this season. It’s a game we won 4-1. Thanks David.”
Interested in knowing more about Falmouth Town FC? Head to their website!
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