WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

Oldland Abbotonians 1 St Blazey 1

IT WAS a story of two penalties on Saturday as St Blazey returned home with a crucial point in their quest to avoid relegation.

After Tom Blake had put the home side ahead from the spot in the 36th minute following a trip by Blazey keeper Kyle Moore, the visitors were level within five minutes thanks to a Jacob Rowe penalty.

But that was the end of the scoring action as the second half developed into a scrappy affair with chances few and far between.

Blazey manager Mark Carter said: “The performance gives us another point towards safety. It might be baby steps away from the relegation zone, but nonetheless it’s still another point on Ilfracombe.

“The games itself was another case of what should have been. The first 45 minutes is probably the best we’ve played since I’ve been in charge.

“We had three or four golden opportunities to score but had to rely on a well won penalty by Sam Clifton for us to take the lead.

“Oldland never really threatened us and we were looking incredibly comfortable at the break.

“Unfortunately in the second half we couldn’t convert that dominance into goals. The longer the half went on the more Oldland grew into the game.

“Kyle (Moore) made up for his penalty mistake in the first half by making a couple of important saves. But still we had chances to take the three points.”

It doesn’t get easier for the Green and Blacks – next Saturday they entertain leaders Portishead, while relegation rivals Ilfracombe are at home to second-placed Clevedon Town.

ST BLAZEY: Kyle Moore; Will Tinsley (capt), Tom Strike, Charlie Hambly, Tom Cavanagh, Jordan Bentley, Tom Hensman, Sam Clifton, Jacob Rowe, Hayden Black, George Newton. Subs: Charlie Menear, Dan O’Hara, Zephan Grigg.

Blazey man-of-the-match: Will Tinsley.