Combination League Cup: Illogan RBL 2-1 St Day

STEVE Abbott-Smith's late header gave Illogan RBL a dramatic victory over St Day in the Combination League Cup final on Sunday.

Illogan had led at the break thanks to goalkeeper Barrie Wyatt, whose long goal kick was flicked into his own net by St Day captain Matt Witts, but the Saints hit back early in the second half through Chris Dobson.

It looked as if the game was heading for extra-time until Illogan captain Abbott-Smith powered a header home from six yards in the 88th minute to give his side the title.

The opening throes of the game were understandably tentative, with much of the game being played in midfield as both sides eased their way into the game.

Myers were looking lively down the right for Illogan early on and began to fashion a few chances as the game reached the 20-minute mark. He teed up Jason Roberts following one strong run into the box but his team-mate saw his effort blocked, before Myers then found Abbott-Smith with a low cross which the Illogan captain steered wide of the target.

Illogan were getting on top and got their reward on 33 minutes from an unlikely source. Goalkeeper Barrie Wyatt sent a long goal kick deep into St Day territory, with a mix-up in the defence resulting in Witts nodding the ball past Saints 'keeper Ben Whiting and into the empty net.

St Day hit back soon after through Gavin Boon who fired a shot into the side netting, before Myers almost doubled the lead with a volley at the back post, but he couldn't get a proper connection on the deep cross.

Dan Richards then fired a free-kick into the Illogan wall before a long cross from the Illogan half almost caught out Whiting shortly before the break, who managed to race back and claim the ball on his line.

A quiet start to the second half was abruptly ended by the roar of the large St Day support on 54 minutes when Dobson powered a shot past Wyatt from the edge of the box to level the score.

Illogan tried to respond with Abbott-Smith firing just past the top corner, before Tyler Oliver had a shot blocked at the other end.

Illogna tried to turn the screw as the match entered the last 20 minutes. Sam Emery came close with a header before substitute Jack Adams caused a moment of panic when he charged down Whiting's clearance, but the 'keeper was able to claim the ball at the next opportunity.

Extra-time was looking likelier by the moment as the time ticked away, but just when it looked like that was the case, we got a winner.

Abbott-Smith was the hero for Illogan following a long break for an injury to St Day's Matt Witts. Play finally resumed with an Illogan corner, from which Abbott-Smith nodded home from six yards to seemingly seal the title for his side.

St Day desperately tried to snatch a late leveller but it was Illogan who almost nicked a late third, with Adams firing against the upright in added time.

St Day: B Whiting, T Hogarth (C Dower 90), J Murphy (J Crossman 79), L Hart, M Witts, C Dobson, J Cleverly, T Oliver, D Richards, G Boon, N Taylor. Subs (unused): M Palmer, R Hosking.

Illogan RBL: B Wyatt, P Wolstencroft, S Peters, J Roberts, A Condie (M Roberts 90), S Emery, K Long, D Batchelor (J Adams 66), L Abbott-Smith, S Abbott-Smith, A Myers (A Smeeth 79). Subs (unused): B Scoffin, C Minns.