PORTHLEVEN co-manager Graham Blake felt that his side’s 2-2 draw at Newquay on Saturday was ‘a game that had everything’.

Both sides scored two goals, had two players sent to the sin bin and had a penalty saved during the game at Mount Wise Stadium.

Newquay had the chance to lead from the spot but Martyn Webster saved the kick, with debutant Joe Wright putting Port in front with a penalty before Dan Stidwell made it 2-0 at half time.

But goals from Jack Bray-Evans and Phil Lowry levelled the scores after the break, before Dan Richardson had a chance to win it with a penalty for the Fishermen but saw his effort saved by Dan Peters.

“I was a game that had everything, it was very enjoyable at times and at times it was a bit stressful,” Blake said.

“It was a fantastic game, it was back to our old ways. We played some half-decent football but for me it was the passion, the aggression, the will to want to play for each other was there yesterday which has been lacking a little bit.

“It’s just a shame we didn’t get the result, but Newquay came out quick in the second half and obviously got their two goals, but we got two goals disallowed for offside, one hit the bar and had a penalty saved. It was crazy really.

“[Losing a 2-0 lead] is disappointing, but we didn’t drop our heads, we kept on going and we were the better side. We looked like the ones that were going to score and get the winner so that was really positive for us. Yes, we wanted the three points and after 2-0 up you really should be winning the game.

“Yes, we didn’t win the game but there were lost of positives for me and Thommo. It was a much better performance all-round.”

Joe Wright enjoyed a goalscoring debut for Porthleven after signing from Helston Athletic reserves, opening the scoring with a penalty in the first half.

Blake, who managed the Blues’ reserve side before joining Porthleven last summer, opted to work with his former striker once again and was full of praise following his successful debut.

He said: “He took the penalty off Dan Rich which Dan was happy to do, but he did well, played like a striker which we’ve been lacking, that number nine who poses a few problems up there.

“He’s quite feisty as well which is great against some big centre-halves as well, you ned to get your elbows in there and be a big aggressive.”

Martyn Webster shrugged off a back injury to play a starring role in goal for Porthleven, making several saves throughout – including a penalty save with the score at 0-0.

“It was 50:50 that he played yesterday as he’s got a really bad back,” Blake said. “He had a massive massage, put heat on it, all sorts. We warmed him up and he was still a little bit 50:50 and he struggled through the whole game, but he was outstanding! I’ve not spoken to him this morning, but I bet he can’t move today.

“Martyn’s been fantastic for us since he’s come in. I rate him big time, I think he’s one of the best in the league, and it’s not just us, the teams we play against say the same.”

The draw ended a run of six straight defeats in all competitions, with their last victory coming in a 2-0 win at Liskeard Athletic on October 19.

Blake is hoping that Saturday’s draw can give his side the confidence to go on and find that elusive win when they welcome Callington Town to Gala Parc on Saturday.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “It just feels, and I’m touching wood as I say this, I’m hoping we’ve turned the corner and I think playing a team down the bottom half like we are gives us the great opportunity to bounce off this draw and hopefully get a win.”

  • Follow live text coverage of Saturday’s game on the Packet website.