Blazey show they mean business by toppling Western League leaders Clevedon

ST BLAZEY moved up to second place, only behind leaders Bridgwater United on goal difference, after a thrilling win over title hopefuls Clevedon at Blaise Park on Saturday.

The Green and Blacks, who had established a 3-0 lead by the hour, were holding on at the end as the Seasiders scored twice in the last five minutes to set up a nerve-jangling finale.

But unbeaten Blazey held out to register their fourth league win in five games and although it is early in the season, the result announced them as potential promotion candidates.

Cam Hutchison scored his first St Blazey goal to put them ahead after only seven minutes and two goals in three minutes from Tom Cavanagh (55) and Tallan Mitchell (58) appeared to put the home side out of reach.

But Clevedon are made of stern stuff and Nathan Byrne gave them a lifeline in the 88th minute before Lucas Vowles reduced the arrears further three minutes into stoppage-time.

Blazey manager Dan Hart said: “Saturday’s game was a fantastic one to be a part of.

“The overarching feeling is one of pride for sure, with the opposition we were up against and the hurdles in our way – I was fascinated watching such togetherness out there in green and black.”

Blazey were without several key players including Kai Burrell, Teigan Rosenquest, Charlie Hambly, Joe Cook and Sam Clifton for varying reasons.

Hart said: “We knew this would make our afternoon a challenging one, and we knew the level of opponent. We had to make several reshuffles to our selection, including at the final hour so there was a real test in our approach and flexibility as a management team too.

“I felt that we played with a determination, robustness and fearlessness that shocked Clevedon. It’s that simple, right up until the closing part of the game where perhaps their strength in depth pushed us to our limits, we looked fitter, stronger and more resilient as a team.”

He went on: “Sean Thomson, who has come in to the group this week and someone who has been a long-term target for us at this and our previous club, was excellent on his debut.

“Sean played as an orthodox number nine in Kai’s absence, something he can do but probably hadn’t for many years.

“The energy that he gave us, set the tempo for those in and around him, and he showed moments of real composure and quality in his work in the build-up to our third goal, combining with Olly Redd – and also when he hit the bar a little while later on.

“I was so pleased with his performance and I’m so confident he is going to be a real key member of our squad in the future.”

Hart added: “It was a proud day to be at the football club, and to be working with this group of players and the management team.

“Days like this show progress, and progress is what we are hellbent on achieving, piece by piece, over time.”

Blazey now prepare for one of their biggest games of recent times when they take on Tiverton Town of Southern League Premier South in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round at Blaise Park on Saturday (3pm).

ST BLAZEY: Kyle Moore; Will Tinsley (capt), Jack Calver, Tom Cavanagh, Jordan Bentley, Aaron Bentley, Olly Redd (Tom Strike, 90+4), Ben Fowles, Sean Thomson, Tallan Mitchell (Todd Hanrahan, 85), Cam Hutchison (Harry Blows, 67). Subs not used: Mac Dewsnap (gk), Hayden Black.

St Blazey man-of-the-match: Tallan Mitchell.