PENRYN ATHLETIC 1

Matt Moore

VOSPERS OAK VILLA 0

Athletic: A Butcher, S Eglinton, A Van Evelingen, M Moore, S Warr, D Harris, C Davey, A Trudgian, D Stidwell, M Drummond, W Scoley. Subs: D Rabone, C Symons, S Jewell.

THE sweltering heat took its toll of the players in this South West Peninsula League (west) game at Kernick Road with Penryn Athletic just edging the verdict 1-0.

Such was the intensity of the heat that the referee offered the players two stops during each half to take on water, a gesture that was much appreciated by the players.

Before the game got under way the club were presented with a set of pre-match tracksuit by Comfort Garage at Mylor Bridge.

One the action got under way the decisive goal came as early as the fifth minute when Dan Stidwell picked up a pass from Sam Eglinton. Stidwell laid the ball into the path of Matt Moore who worked his way across the box before turning and beating Dan Johnson at the near post with a well-struck shot from 15 yards.

The heat generally has an effect on the temperament of players and Andy Van Evelingen was booked for a foul on Gareth Jones and Bradley Richardson suffered a similar fate for a challenge on Adam Trudgian.

In fact, the afternoon sun had an even bigger effect on Richardson who was midway through the half was withdrawn from the action.

Athletic continued to create the better of the chances with Matt Drummond having a header and a shot well saved by Johnson whilst Stidwell blazed his opening high and wide of the goal.

As half-time approached Oak Villa were beginning to make their presence felt, but they were unable to create any real clear-cut openings as Athletic defended with plenty of determination.

After the second half got under way Athletic made a couple of changes with David Rabone and Chris James coming on for Steve Warr and Adam Trudgian.

Oak Villa were growing in confidence all the time and such was their share of possession Athletic's presence in the visiting penalty was becoming increasingly rare.

Despite the lion's share of possession Oak Villa - although they threatened on many occasions - couldn't find the elusive goal their play deserved and towards the closing stages it was Athletic who looked the more likely scorers.

Stidwell picked up a pass from Drummond and delivered a great cross for Rabone, but his header was hopelessly wide of the target.

Stidwell then raced clear but lost control as he closed in on goal and second later Rabone missed another good opportunity when he fired his shot well wide.

As the minutes ticked down Steve Jewell came on to steady the ship, but the visitors missed probably their best chance of the game in injury time when Butcher made a great diving save to keep out Danny Murdoch's shot and then James Hoban had his rebound effort blocked.

The heat ensured the game would not be an inspiring one, but Athletic will just be grateful to gain the three points.