WESTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

St Austell 2, Ivybridge Town 2

TWO late goals by St Austell denied Ivybridge an away win at Poltair Park as they were held to a 2-2 draw in the Jewson Western League on Wednesday evening (Oct 16), writes Graham Hambly.

Bailey Mabin gave Ivybridge the boost of an early lead with a goal after only five minutes. Mabin, who is returning to full fitness following injury, linked effectively in attack with Ollie Aplin as Ivybridge looked well in control.

Then, when Sam Hillson added a second during the second half, Ivybridge were on course for what would have been their eighth successive away win.

Hillson scored after pushing forward from defence where he turned in a Man-of-the-Match performance for Ivybridge.

But they were pegged back by a double strike from St Austell substitute Kieron Bishop, who reduced the arrears in the 83rd minute and then equalised as the game went into stoppage time.

Ivybridge joint manager Wayne Gamble said: “That was two points lost from a game where we were dominant and in control. We have now taken only two points from the last three games and that is not good enough.

“If we had beaten St Austell that would have taken us up to third place in the table.”

Gamble was disappointed that his side did not push on to kill off the game after taking a two-goal lead, adding: “It is always dangerous at 2-0. St Austell got a goal back and the momentum was with them. In fact, we were lucky not to concede a third goal at the end as St Austell had a claim for a penalty turned down.”

Ivybridge now face two knock-out cup fixtures with a visit to Tadley Calleva in the FA Vase on Saturday (Oct 19) followed by a League Cup clash at home to Buckland on Wednesday (Oct 23).

Meanwhile, club captain and central defender Scott Pocock won the Ivybridge player of the month award for September.

Joint manager Wayne Gamble said: “Scott has been unbelievable all season, but during September he was a colossus at the back for us. The number of clean sheets we have achieved are very much down to his displays.

“We are very lucky to have him. He is a top lad who will only get better.”

Scott Pocock is pictured receiving the trophy from sponsors Cheryl Langford of First Class Garden and Tree Services and Les Brooks.