SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)
Camelford 1 Penzance 1
ANDY Boxall struck in injury-time as Camelford earned a point against an impressive Penzance outfit at Trefrew Park.
The hosts were indebted to a superb performance from goalkeeper Josh Colwill who pulled off a string of fine saves.
The Camels were looking to build on their 3-2 victory at Truro City Reserves and were missing Cam Bidgood, replaced by Shae Cardiff who was back from suspension.
Penzance are in with a shout of a top-six finish and it took them just three minutes to call Colwill into action as he had to paw away a deflected effort from Curtis Smith, before racing off his line to deny Charlie Willis.
Camelford responded and saw Cardiff head just wide before drawing a good stop out of Mikey Flores, while Mark Gusterson’s charge down just went over the bar and Adam Sleep saw a header saved.
But a series of good blocks from Colwill got the Camels through to half-time on level terms.
But within a minute of the restart Penzance got the goal their play deserved as Smith muscled the ball in.
Colwill’s brilliant save from Silas Sullivan’s curler moments later prevented giving the Camels a mountain to climb.
As the second half progressed the hosts grew into the game, and earned themselves a point when Boxall drove home from distance.
There was still time for a winner, and former Camelford captain Dan Balsdon saw his header go just wide.
Camels boss Reg Hambly told the Post: “It was a good end-to-end game and Penzance were a good side.
“They found Josh (Colwill) in top form, but we pushed hard towards the end for an equaliser and nearly snatched it at the end.”
CAMELFORD: Josh Colwill; Sam Watts, Sam Wade (capt), Adam Sleep, Josh Smith; Kenley Dyson, Ross Beare, Andy Boxall; Olly Taylor, Mark Gusterson, Shae Cardiff. Subs: Phil Brown, Dan Balsdon, Josh Caddy.
Camelford man of the match: Josh Colwill.
Dobwalls 4 Launceston 0
THE Clarets made the short trip to Dobwalls on Saturday, looking to build on the eventful goalless draw with Holsworthy a week earlier.
The home team, beaten only once in their last 14 games, were hoping for a series of results that would take them to the top of the table.
Launceston, meanwhile, continue to be ravaged by injuries, in addition to which Josh Harris and Jaden Wood picked up suspensions following the Holsworthy game.
Manager Neil Price took the opportunity to give valuable game time to some of the club’s promising youngsters.
Defenders Morgan Jones and George Plumb stepped up from the reserves and acquitted themselves well.
The last three games between these sides had all been drawn and the early stages were keenly contested, with goalmouth action at a premium.
Price’s side got to the 43rd minute without conceding as Dobwalls, anticipating a straightforward victory, began to show signs of anxiety.
However an opportunist effort from the lively Kaycee Ogwu gave his side a lead they just about deserved.
Within two minutes of the restart, Josh Johnson doubled the lead, turning in a cross from the left.
Dobwalls, by now playing some expansive football, stepped up the intensity and added excellent goals from Kai Burrell (63) and Ovo Ememerurai (85).
The Clarets stuck to their task but made little impression on an uncompromising back four as the hosts went top of the league following Newquay’s shock defeat at Bude.
LAUNCESTON: Liam Hill; Morgan Jones, George Plumb, Jordan Stidson, Jude Jago, Archie Wall, Mike Steele (capt), Jake Ham, Ryan Dawe, Andy Watkins, Mark Elvidge. Subs: Denham Guild, Aaron Hughes, Dan Clifton.
Clarets man of the match: Jude Jago.