ILLOGAN RBL RESERVES 1, PENZANCE RESERVES 0

A single second half goal denied Penzance a point from a battling performance in stifling heat at Oxland Parc. With Troon and Dropship both being held to draws, the third straight win sent Illogan to the top of the Division One West table writes James Wright.

A crisp move handed Kizzy Snowden an early opening but the Magpies forward was unable to add to his midweek double, pulling a shot just wide. Thereafter, Illogan bossed most of the first half. Captain Jacob Hoon had the ball in net following a fifth minute corner only for it to be disallowed. His centre-back partner Simon Ellis was also extremely unlucky to be denied by the woodwork after connecting sweetly with a free-kick from the right.

Penzance, however, finished the half strongly and Fin Harry, using his electric pace to beat the Illogan defence to a through ball, lifted a lob over keeper Ryan Barnes only for it to bounce agonisingly just over the bar.

Illogan were back in the ascendancy after the restart. Jayden Dingle was just off target with a good chance at the back post before Connor Thomas thwarted striker Levi Matthews with a stupendous block. From the resultant corner the young stand-in keeper did not get the luck his save deserved. The ball was cleared only as far as Aaron Richards whose cross from the right was swept home by Matty Roberts.

Penzance’s hopes of getting back on terms were diminished when Snowden had to come off injured. They pushed hard right to the end with Adam Lewis hitting the woodwork and Charlie Palmer having a shot saved, but ultimately came up just short.

“It was frustrating for the lads today,” said Magpies manager Daz Smith. “I felt we battled really well all game. Our defence was well organised and communicated with our midfield superbly. Going forward we looked dangerous - it was just our final ball that wasn't quite there today. Honestly a draw would have been a fair result in my opinion. A lot of positives to take from the game but I really feel for the lads, we just didn't quite get the run of the green.”

Illogan: Ryan Barnes, Jacob Davies, Samuel Holsey, Simon Ellis, Jacob Hoon (captain), Sam Kevern, Matty Roberts, Aaron Richards, Levi Matthews, Ned Pritchard, Jayden Dingle. Rolling subs: Freddie Sturmey, Jayden Brown, Lewis Healan, Carl Stretton

Penzance: Connor Thomas, Charlie Palmer (Ben Carroll 80), Connor Glanville, Ryan Wilkinson, Ollie Page, Lewis Hitchens, Fin Harry, Fin Sharp, Cam McCabe, Kizzy Snowden (Alfie Turner 67), Adam Lewis (Luke Carroll 69).

Unsused sub: Henry Ramsay

Referee: Andrew Barnett