JJ Jones Duchy league division two

Gunnislake reserves 2

AFC St Austell 2

GUNNISLAKE went in to this match expecting a tough encounter as they were taking on a Saints side that won division three last season

With keeper Bradley Agar unavailable defender Ryan Lowton went between the posts until half time and coped well.

In the opening half Saints' neat passing game saw them play quite a lot of football but a well drilled and organised Gunnislake side ensured Saints rarely got behind their defence. Gunnislake also had a good share of the ball producing several good passing moves creating a few opportunities.

Midway through the half and on one of the few occasions Saints got a good ball in to the box a goalbound shot was blocked by use of the hand and the Saints penalty taker duly scored with a well taken kick.

Ten minutes later and Gunnislake were deservedly on level terms thanks to a route one goal. Keeper Lowton's long clearance found striker Glenn Tremblett who held off a couple of defenders before neatly lobbing the advancing keeper.

Five minutes before half time Tremblett's good through pass set Ben Farrar free as the latters excess pace took him away from the Saints defence but Farrar's effort was to go just wide of the goal. However within a minute Gunnislake had scored their second goal. Joe Pulley's good pass in behind the Saints defence found Chris Bradbury coming in from the left and he calmly lifted the ball over the diving keeper to score.

In the second half Saints chased the game had the greater share of the play in the second period.

Gunnislake's 16 year old players, full backs Tommy Goswell (replaced by Lowton) and Alex Doidge, midfielders Farrar (and his replacement Ed Allen), Ryan James and forward Tremblett all played with a maturity and commitment beyond their years while the more experienced Pulley, Simon Wakeham, Andy Campbell, Mark Warwick, James Ord and Bradbury all very much played their part.

Gunnislake keeper Jack Ord made one terrific diving save lowdown to his left to a 25 yard strike. Saints equaliser which was a 20 yard screamer after a corner had partially been cleared.