SUBSTITUTE Leo Eglin snapped up a late equaliser for Paulton Rovers who drew 1-1 away to St Blazey in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League.
However, Rovers could easily have lost because the Cornish side missed a penalty five minutes from time.
The opening minutes were cagey as both teams, fresh off the back of good league wins, felt each other out. The first real chance fell to St Blazey in the 7th minute and it led to a goal. Following a Rovers attack which broke down, Jacob Rowe powered his way towards the goal before unleashing a fierce strike which Dan Jackson couldn’t stop.
It was the best moment from either side as the rest of the half turned into a game of possession with few clear chances. Rovers probably edged possession but were unable to make the final ball count and perhaps relied too heavily on long balls.
However Dan Jackson had to be sharp to stop another St Blazey goal in the 22nd minute. After a mistake at the back, the hosts had a chance from close range but Jackson was quick to deny it.
The spectators would have been hoping for a better second half and they got one. It was an altogether different affair with both teams going full blooded for the win. Kye Simpson was introduced at half time giving Rovers a different aspect to their play and he was immediately in on the action and causing issues for the hosts back line.
But Jackson had to be sharp again in the 49th minute to deny another close range shot. After returning from injury, Dan Cottle was brought on in the 54th minute again giving Rovers some more drive. Simpson was at it again in the 59th minute as he drove a cross along the six yard box but it was cutout just before Will Hailston could connect. It was to be Hailston’s last involvement as he was replaced by Leo Eglin soon on after.
As both teams pushed, the game became more fiery and several yellow cards were handed out. Rovers began to get the bit between their teeth. Dan Cottle drifted a shot wide in the 71st minute and Kye Simpson had another dangerous cross cut out soon after.
The equaliser came in the 79th minute when Jack Farion fed Leo Eglin. With the keeper charging out, Eglin casually lifted the ball over his head and into the net.