Illogan hit back to grab point

PENRYN Athletic saw a two-goal lead disappear in this keenly-contested Jolly's Combination League clash at Kernick Road as Illogan fought back to earn a deserved share of the spoils.

After a goalless first half, league leaders Athletic had the game for the taking after snatching two goals in a minute, but two substitutions in the last ten minutes saw Illogan not only salvage a point but almost snatch victory.

There was little to choose between the sides in the opening half with defences well on top and it was half-way into the half before either side managed a serious attempt on goal which came from Illogan's Matt Willey who headed over the bar from a corner.

Kevin Lawrence and Gary Sturmey were always a threat along the flanks, but with the defensive partnership of Matt Potts and Paul Kneebone keeping a tight rein on things, there were few openings for the visitors to exploit.

There was little change in pattern in the early stages of the second half, but after 63 minutes Athletic took the lead following a swift break. Paul Hosken did well to parry Casey Adams' close-range shot after Shane D'Cotta had flicked the ball on to create the opening, but it broke perfectly for substitute Charlie Davis to drill the ball into the corner of the net from close range.

A minute later Athletic doubled their lead when Wayne Brown attempted to run the ball out of play, but D'Cotta didn't allow him that luxury and he managed to fire in a cross shot from an acute angle which hit Willey and flew into the net off the post.

It could have been worse within minutes when Athletic had another chance, but Hosken pulled off a great save.

Illogan brought on Sam Ridge and Andy Hill for the final ten minutes and immediately the changes began to take effect with Athletic defending desperately.

A jinking run from Gareth Pitt saw the ball delivered into the box where it was partially cleared only for Lawrence, outstanding in midfield for Illogan, to beat Symon Winnan with a terrific shot from the edge of the box.

Callaway volleyed a shot just the wrong side of the post as Illogan exerted pressure, but with five minutes to go the visitors grabbed a deserved equaliser when Hill went past a couple of defenders along the flank and cut in before unleashing a terrific shot inside Winnan's near post.

Calloway powered another header over the bar in the dying seconds, but Illogan had to settle for a draw, a result ten minutes earlier that had looked a long way off.

Illogan: P Hosken, M Willey, M Jenkin, J Condon, K Lawrence, W Brown, J Miles, M Callaway, G Sturmey, P Wolstencroft, G Pitt. Subs: S Ridge, A Hill.