ILLOGAN 2 MOUSEHOLE 0

MOUSEHOLE were unable to repeat their performance of a couple of weeks ago in the Jolly's Combination League when they were beaten 2-0 by Illogan in a League Cup quarter-final tie at Oxland Parc.

This was a game in which Illogan looked well in control, but in the second half the home side became careless and allowed the visitors the lion's share of possession. Despite their monopoly, Mousehole were unable to find a way through a determined home defence in which Paul Hosken played superbly well.

Illogan made a positive start and were quickly out of the starting blocks with Gary Sturmey making a run along the flank and putting the ball into the path of Andy Hill who saw his well-struck shot hit the top of the crossbar.

Mousehole 'keeper Craig Nicholls, who had a superb match, made a fantastic double save in the 14th minute, beating out a shot from Hill and then saving Gareth Pitt's follow-up shot.

Two minutes later Illogan had what looked a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Hill, with his back to goal, feinted to go one way but went the other and had his leg taken away by a defender, but the referee waved on play.

A minute later Illogan were a goal up when Matt Willey lobbed the ball over the defence for Hill to race on to the pass and as Nicholl came out to narrow the angle headed the ball over the 'keeper and into the net.

Hill, who was proving a lively customer, saw a free kick skim the bar, but after a period in which Illogan became sloppy and wasted possession, they struck with a second goal when Jamie Condon headed on a Hill corner for Matt Callaway to nod in at the far post.

Mousehole found themselves under constant pressure as the half wore on and survived again when Sam Ridge cut in and hit a terrific shot that Nicholls tipped round the post.

From the corner Callaway twice had headers cleared off the line.

The second half saw Mousehole make a big effort to get back into the game, but Hosken was in great form and thwarted the visitors at every opportunity as he kept them in check.

Illogan rarely showed their hand in a subdued half, but can now look forward to a second successive semi-final.

Man of the mwas was Gary Sturmey with Hosken pushing him for star billing.

Illogan: P Hosken, M Willey, S Jenkin, J Condon, G Sturmey, W Brown, A J Teuton, M Callaway, S Ridge, A Hill, G Pitt. Subs: L Caddy, R Ward.