CAMELFORD fell to a second league defeat in succession as Penzance secured a 1-0 success at Trefrew Park on Saturday, writes James Wright.

The Camels were looking to bounce back from their FA Vase exit at the hands of Radstock Town seven days earlier, and boss Bobby Hopkinson was without some key players including striker Ryan Downing, winger Shae Cardiff and skipper Tom Cowling.

Adam Sleep made his first appearance of the season up front, while Josh Harris deputised for Jacob Ham in midfield.

Mid-table Penzance created two decent chances early on, although Jacob Trudgeon failed to find the target on either occasion.

Camelford also threatened on five minutes, but Penzance keeper Harry Salmon parried a fierce drive from Cam Bidgood.

The half concluded with drama at both ends. Archie Reynolds athletically blocked a thunderous shot from Camelford’s Ross Beare, whilst Josh Colwill pulled off a superb save from visiting captain Silas Sullivan in injury-time.

Penzance were on top after the turnaround and took a 54th minute lead as Ollie Butler cut in from the right flank to feed George Molcher to fire home with authority.

The strike triggered a purple patch for the Magpies with Colwill brilliantly denying Ollie Butler, before Dan Hocking cleared Sullivan’s follow-up off the line.

One-on-one with Colwill, James Butler had a glorious chance to wrap it up but the substitute pushed his shot wide.

This meant Penzance had to withstand a nervy finish with Vercesi bravely blocking a Beare effort and Salmon tipping over a viciously dipping free-kick from Hocking.

Camelford visit Callington Town on Friday night (7.30pm).

CAMELFORD: Josh Colwill; Sam Watts, Dan Hocking, Tom Crowe, Andy Boxall (captain); Ross Beare, Kenley Dyson, Josh Harris; Cam Bidgood, Adam Sleep, Joe Parr. Subs: Josh Caddy, Ryelee Deignan, Olly Taylor, Bailee Deignan, Dan Balsdon.

Camels’ man-of-the-match: Dan Hocking.