PORTHLEVEN boss Dennis Annear said his side can take a lot of confidence out of their 1-1 away at Mousehole on Saturday.

The Fisherman travelled to Trungle Parc with just 12 players in their squad for the South West Peninsula League West clash against the team considered by many to be strong title contenders.

But Port produced a top performance as they took the lead in the first half through Liam Hunter before the Seagulls came back and equalised through an own goal with 25 minutes left.

Having lost seven days earlier 2-1 to Bude Town at home, Annear said the showing from his team was a lot better and gives them something to build on.

He also stated playing one of the favourites for the league at this stage of the season is helpful.

Annear said: “Overall I think a draw was a fair result as we had a much better first half and they were the better team in the second half.

“To come away with a point from a side like Mousehole who will be competing for the title is great and it was good to play them now as I prefer playing the perceived stronger sides early on.

“At this stage of the season, the sides have not got a good run under their belts which builds confidence and everyone is still finding their rhythm.

“But we must take confidence ourselves from Saturday, as it is a good result to pick up at any time of the season.”

Port started brightly in the match as they pressed Mousehole hard and created chances with their passing and movement.

This came to a head in the 25th minute when Hunter opened the scoring for the visitors as their pressing saw Port win back the ball in the Seagull’s final third.

The ball was laid off to Hunter who spun a defender before hitting a shot across the home goalkeeper and into the net.

After the break, Mousehole came out with a busier game plan which saw them pushing Port hard.

Their efforts saw them equalise in the 65th minute after full back Billy Curtis made a made down the wing before aiming a shot at goal.

The ball appeared to be going wide, but it took a deflection off Matt Best’s chest which sent it back towards goal and evaded the grasp of Ben Bryant, who had been wrongfooted by the ricochet.

Annear said his side now need to work on their adaptability against teams in their league.

“I think we play against sides like Mousehole and Helston who like to pass it around,” he said.

“This showed on Saturday, but we now have to work on improving against sides who want to play more direct, which is who we struggle against more.”

PORTHLEVEN LINE UP: Bryant, Wormington, Tarrant, T Annear, Hawkins, Best, McCardie, D Greet, Hunter (J Greet, 75), J Annear.