MULLION live to fight another day after holding Jolly's Combination League title chasers St Just to a goalless draw in the League Cup quarter-finals.
A few months ago Mullion might have been disappointed that they didn't win this tie with home advantage, but this result will now be considered as a step in the right direction after a slump in form.
The visitors, strong in midfield, had the better of the opening echanges, but Mullion displayed plenty of grit and determination in defence as they fought doggedly to keep their box tightly defended.
Danny Hickey, now back from a period working abroad, showed up well in a back four that showed plenty of promise with Chris Lawrence, Alex Sharkey and Graham Cook playing well.
Once the initial surge had been dealt with Mullion came much more into the game and Andy May had a chance to put the home side in front when he managed to go wide of the 'keeper but shot over the bar.
Rob Smith, another making a welcome return to the line-up, was agonisingly inches short of getting his foot to a cross after good work by Will Duke and Martin Edwards, but the home side were fortunate to escape when Sharkey miscued a clearance which fell to an opponent who blasted the ball straight at Stuart Williams.
The second half saw St Just increase the tempo in a bid to break the deadlock, but Mullion showed plenty of spirit and stuck manfully to their task despite the mounting pressure.
Williams made a fine finger-tip save from John Payne and luck was on his side when he was beaten by a John McCullum header but which fortunately hit the post.
The last 20 minutes saw Mullion forced to defend under heavy pressure, but they withstood all that St Just could throw at them and five minutes from time might even have sneaked an equaliser. May made ground along the flank and delivered a cross into the box which Martin Edwards saw a fraction too late after a defender missed the cross and his six-yard header went straight at goalkeeper Andy Angove.
Mullion: S Williams, C Lawrence, D Hickey, G Cook, A Sharkey, R Bray, R Smith, R Turner, W Duke, A May, M Edwards. Subs: G Allen, D Matthews, B Fox.
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