VOSPERS OAK VILLA 3

WENDRON United 1

AFTER taking a first-half lead away to Vospers Oak Villa, Wendron found themselves pegged back in the second half of this South West Peninsula League division one (West) match and were eventually beaten 3-1 by the Tamarside club.

Not wanting to sound as though it was sour grapes - because it certainly wasn't - United manager Steve Webber was unhappy with the circumstances surrounding all three goals.

Said Webber: "I thought we were very comfortable after the first half and Oak Villa never looked too penetrating against us, but I felt we were hard done by with their equaliser and, in fact, all three of their goals.

"Jeff Till was asked to leave the field after treatment to an injury, but that was not the case every time a player required treatment. They had a free kick on the edge of the box that we cleared and as the attack still developed over another minute and a half, Till was left on the touchline.

"There was certainly inconsistency in how the rule was applied with some players going off and being recalled when the ball was still dead.

"The second goal was clearly offside and the third goal was put in with the player's hand because otherwise he had no hope of reaching it.

"Unfortunately, we had two 16 or 17 year olds on the line who I don't think were mature enough to be there. It's great that they be given opportunities, but I can't help feeling that at their age they would be better off learning their trade refereeing at a lower level because I think that they become a little overawed by what is going on."

Without five first-choice players, Wendron showed few signs that they were fielding a less experienced side and took the lead in the 12th minute when a throw-in was flicked on by Simon Carter for Peter Maclean to cross for David Toy to sidefoot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Sean Johnston was a continual threat with his darting runs along the flank and he created a chance of his own before blazing the ball high and wide.

Good work by Brett Andrew and David Toy put Maclean in, but his dipping volley went just over the bar.

Andrew and Toy dominated possession in midfield and just before half-time Matt McIlroy dispossessed a defender and made ground before firing in a shot that forced a great save from the goalkeeper.

The second half saw Oak Vila come much more into the game but without ever looking as though they could penetrate a solid defence.

That all changed in the 70th minute with the controversial circumstances surrounding Oak Villa's equaliser when Gareth Jones netted.

Ten minutes from time Oak Villa played the ball wide to the flanks where Phil Daniels appeared to be several yards offside, but he didn't wait around to ask any questions and sped clear to score.

With a minute of normal time left Jones put the result beyond doubt when he scored Villa's third, albeit from a suspiciously-looking assist with his hand.

On Saturday Wendron entertain Wadebridge Town looking to avenge a narrow 1-0 defeat. Kick off is 2.45 pm.

Wendron: B Scoffin, G Pascoe, A Munro, J Till, P Maclean, D Toy, B Andrew, A Toy, S Johnston, S Carter, M McIlroy. Subs: S Whitney, E Timmins, S Hodson.

ST DAY 4 WENDRON 1 It looks as though it is going to be a tough season for Wendron after losing their sixth successive Jolly's Combination League fixture at St Day.

Wendron did not get off to a very good start when a defensive lapse allowed St Day to snatch the lead in the fifth minute when Leon Massie lobbed the goalkeeper.

The Saints extended their lead when Massie notched his second goal from the penalty spot after Alan Williams was brought down in the box.

The Saints dominated much of the possession with Lee Duffield rattling the crossbar and Massie denied his hat-trick when he struck a post.

Wendron worked hard to stay in the game and gave themselves some hope when veteran Tony Harris scored from a free kick, but two goals in the dying minutes ended their resistance.

Scott Jones wriggled his way past three defenders before shooting home and Duffield grabbed the fourth when he headed in.