Report by Jon Green

Substitute, Leo Eglin, scored a late goal to grab Rovers a point in a game that both teams will feel they should have won.

The opening minutes were cagey as both teams, fresh off the back of good league wins last time out, felt each other out. The first real chance of the game fell to St Blazey in the 7th minute and it led to a goal. Following a Rovers attack that broke down, Jacob Rowe picked up the ball in midfield and powered his way towards the goal before unleashing fierce strike that Dan Jackson couldn’t keep out.

It was the best moment from either side as the rest of the half turned into a game of possession with few clear chances created. Rovers probably edged that possession but were unable to make the final ball count and perhaps relied too heavily on long balls that didn’t find their target. 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 and they had a spell on ten minutes or so of intense pressure on the St Blazey defence. Dan Cottle drifted a shot wide in the 71st minute and Kye Simpson had another dangerous cross cut out soon after. All the while the hosts looked dangerous on the counter.

The equaliser came in the 79th minute when Jack Farion fed Leo Eglin on the edge of the box. With the keeper charging out, Eglin casually lifted the ball over his head and into the net. With their tails up, it looked like Rovers were now going to go on and grab a winner. But five minutes later St Blazey was awarded a penalty when substitute Dan Dyke was adjudged to have handled in the box during a sliding tackle. George Newton stepped up but his shot slammed against the post and the follow up blasted over.

It was a let off for Rovers who had been staring defeat in the face after working so hard to get back into the game. As the game draw to a close both teams went close to grabbing a winner. After being put clear by Kye Simpson, Dan Cottle brushed the post with a shot very late on. Both teams will have felt they could have gone on to win the game, but Rovers will probably be the happier of the two after being behind for so long.

NEXT GAME:
FA Vase - Portishead (A) - 9th November - 3pm. To be played at Bristol Manor Farm.