A win in this important promotion head-to-head would have enabled Penzance to overtake their visitors by winning games in game. However, the failure to take early chances cost the young Magpies dearly and Illogan are now firm favourites to secure second place behind champions-elect New Inn Titans.
The home side first threatened when Tyler Smith was denied by a good save. Kizzy Snowden then blasted a shot straight at keeper Cameron Smith from point blank range, then Joel Steel glanced a header just wide from a Sam Payne corner.
“We had chances early doors to perhaps put the game out of sight but couldn't take them and ultimately this cost us,” rued Magpies joint manager Darren Smith.
Matt Roberts ran on to a long through ball to tuck away Illogan’s first clear chance, ten minutes before the break. When Kai Baxter was adjudged to have tripped Evan Tresidder just after the restart, Ashley Smeeth blasted home a penalty to give Illogan daylight.
Set up by Joel Steel, Baxter himself fired over Penzance’s best chance of a response, from a Steel centre. Ewan Trevains was also just off target for the Magpies before the experienced Tom Hogarth made the game safe for the visitors with a speculative shot from wide on the right.
Baxter immediately pulled one back, coming out best in a one-on-one with Smith, but Illogan bagged a fourth just before the final whistle, former Magpie Dominic Batchelor scoring directly from a corner.
“Our overall performance wasn't quite up to scratch and we lacked composure in key moments,” concluded Darren Smith. “I don't think we were out-played despite the scoreline suggesting differently. The lads huffed and puffed but sadly we were below par today and credit goes to Illogan who completed a league double over us. We now have six finals remaining and will have to put this one behind us quickly and move on to our next fixture where myself and Lee Major will be expecting a response from the lads.”
Penzance: Callum Grant, Kai Baxter, Lewis Hitchens (Henry Ramsay 83), Ewan Trevains, Steve Miller, Josh Reeves (Matt Robinson 64), Tyler Smith (Charlie Reynolds 59), Sam Payne (Lewis Hitchens 89), Joel Steel (Fin Sharp 80), Kizzy Snowden, Harvey Richings
Illogan: Cameron Smith, Sam Greenwood, Samuel Lampard, Tom Hogarth, Nathan Callaway, Jon Ayres, Matt Roberts, Dominic Batchelor, Ashley Smeeth, Martyn Jay, Callum Smith. Subs: Evan Tresidder, Tristan Ashley, Josh Taylor, Nick Ward
Referee: Simon Taylor
Attendance: 69