ST AUSTELL put a stop to their three-game losing streak with a hard-fought draw against a stubborn Oldland side at Poltair Park on Saturday.

The Lillywhites had enough of the possession and chances in the second half to record their first league win since March 1, but the visitors rode their luck and held on.

Oldland had shocked the home crowd by sweeping ahead after only eight minutes but St Austell were level in the 28th minute through Olly Brokenshire, making a welcome return to the starting line-up.

Brokenshire, restoring his central defensive partnership with Tom Whipp, went on to make a man-of-the-match contribution.

St Austell manager Chris Knight said: “If there was ever an example of an end of season game between two teams in mid-table then that was it.

“Both teams gave it a go to be fair, but it was really hard to play and football and we both huffed and puffed.

“I thought we should have won it after totally dominating the second half, but I’m bound to say that aren’t I? They may say they were always a threat on the break, which they were.”

He added: “Ultimately we are trying to get some rhythm back and it’s a bit of a struggle at the minute with the injury situation, but we will get there hopefully.

“We will take a point of course but we should have killed them off really.”

The Cornishmen are back in action on Saturday when they visit title-chasing Clevedon Town (3pm).

ST AUSTELL: Andy Collings, Jake Shaw, Martyn Duff, Tom Whipp, Olly Brokenshire, Callum Watson, Neil Slateford (capt), George Marris, Kieron Bishop, Adam Carter, Ryan Downing. Subs: Josh Penrose, Kyle Marks, Alex Hamley, Damon Mulready, Rhys Hooper.

St Austell man-of-the-match: Olly Brokenshire.