Joce's injury-time strike secures Saltash useful away draw

SAM Joce’s 92nd minute goal rescued a point for Saltash on Saturday and put a stop to a run of four defeats in all competitions as they head into a two-week break.

It was the young defender’s second goal in three games and was just reward for a battling second half performance which deserved something.

Manager Lee Britchford said: “I think we were still feeling the effects of Tuesday night’s cup tie, with the squad we took to Shepton being similar to the one we had at Liskeard.

“It was a tough game for the lads, I don’t think either team played that well to be fair, but the boys dug in for 90 minutes and got something out of the game without playing well.”

He added: “We’ve now had nine away games in our first 12 fixtures so it’s been a really tough start to the season. But we’ve got a bit of a break now, two weeks to rest and recover.”

Young striker Deacon Thomson, making his first league appearance since rejoining the Ashes from Tavistock, gave them a 17th minute lead as he slotted home the rebound after his penalty was saved.

Shepton made a slow start but Saltash’s goal brought them to life and they were level seven minutes before the break with a good finish from striker Connor Williams.

The early minutes of the second half saw both sides struggling to create any clear chances, but Shepton went ahead in the 65th minute when a Williams cross was deflected into the net by a defender.

But just when the home side thought they had done enough to win, Joce saved the day.

SALTASH UNITED: Jordan Duffey; Jack Jefford, Alfie Wotton (capt), Sam Hillson, Sam Joce, Dylan Holgate (George Powell, 75), Freddie Tolcher (Ben Goulty, 63), Frazer Ferris (Harry Truscott, 86), Deacon Thomson, Fin Wilkes, Joe Preece (Kieran O’Melia, 63). Sub not used: Max Everall.

Ashes’ man-of-the-match: Deacon Thomson.