PENRYN ATHLETIC 2 ILLOGAN 1

ILLOGAN suffered another setback in their pursuit of the Jolly's Combination League title when they were beaten 2-1 by Penryn Athletic.

This was a crucial game for both sides, but Illogan's failure to make more of their chances was the catalyst for their defeat.

Illogan created a good opportunity as early as the third minute when Andy Hill got on the end of Danny Scorer's cross but hit his shot straight at the 'keeper.

Seven minutes later Shane Richards was put through in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he put his shot wide of the post.

Illogan had much the better of the exchanges in the first 15 minutes that saw Richards beat the 'keeper only for Paul Kneebone to head the ball off the line.

It was against the run of play in the 20th minute that Athletic took the lead when Dominic Pullen ran on to a long, punted clearance and beat Danny Burrows to the ball to lob it over him and then knock it into the net.

Athletic added a second goal eight minutes later when Steve Brewer was brought down in the box by Burrows for Pullen to score from the penalty spot.

Illogan put Athletic under pressure as half time neared and after Richards shot wide Nicky Medlin was brought down in the box for Simon Ellis to score from the spotkick.

There was still time for Illogan to create another great chance, but Hill shot over in a one-on-one with Symon Winnan.

The visitors continued to create chances in the second half with Richards unlucky when his effort went over the bar after he stretched to meet a cross.

The home side were put under heavy pressure in the closing stages with Winnan making great saves from Gareth Pitt and Hill, but despite ringing the changes Illogan were unable to grab the crucial equaliser.

Illogan: D Burrows, T Hogarth, D Holsey, G Pitt, R Bray, N Medlin, S Ellis, D Scorer, B Widdershoven, A Hill, S Richards. Subs: A Cowper, R Gregory.