DOBWALLS boss Kevin McCann and his Launceston counterpart Simon Minett both felt their side should have taken all three points from their 3-3 draw at Lantoom Park on Tuesday night in South West Peninsula League Premier West.

Both teams created a plethora of chances in East Cornwall, but it was the hosts that were 3-1 up by the 50-minute mark thanks to Jack Gaynor, Alex Oshinyemi and Elian Causon.

Lee Robinson’s penalty after 55 minutes – his second of the evening – made it 3-2 before an own goal six minutes from time ensured the Clarets headed back to Pennygillam with an opening night point.

Home manager McCann said: “It was very disappointing that we didn’t get all three points after a two-goal lead and lots of very good chances, but we get off the mark for the season and with more players back from holidays soon we should be able to kick on.”

He added: “We started off quite slowly with an early mistake nearly costing us, but then got into the game. We then got caught on the break from our own corner with the offside flag coming to the rescue, but it was a warning for us.

“Once we started playing some good football we created numerous chances and a good goal by Jack Gaynor put us in front. We should’ve kicked on but again got caught on the break from our own corner to let them equalise.

“Another great goal from Alex Oshinyemi put us, in my opinion, deservedly in front at the break. We then get numerous chances to extend that lead while Freddy Harvey-Larmar made some good saves at our end, but we just couldn’t put it to bed.

“A moment of madness from George Hann giving away a penalty when the ball was going out let them back in it, and then we had to weather a bit of pressure but still had three excellent chances to finish it off, but just couldn’t put it in the net. Then predictably a scramble in our box and a deflected shot made it 3-3.”

Dobwalls are in league action this Saturday when they head to one of the title favourites in Camelford (3pm).

Launceston manager Simon Minett, talking on Wednesday, said: “We’ve been delighted to strengthen our squad over the summer in some key areas. Unfortunately a few took a little longer to get over the line which has hampered our ability to look at our collective picture, and it’s impacted any level of continuity we could’ve built.

“That lack of preparation showed last night. We were poor in key areas and lacked the level of organisation that I demand on the pitch.

“That said, we could easily have been 2–0 up in the opening minutes. I still don’t know how Sonny (Dover)missed his early chance as he’s usually so clinical in front of goal, and I felt for him on his debut.

“Dobwalls’ manager, Kev, will have his own view on the goals, but I was extremely disappointed with how we conceded all three. They were massive errors on our part.

“Instead of taking the easy option to clear our lines and regroup, we overplayed, and credit to Dobwalls, they were clinical and took their chances to go 3-1 up.

“Once we gained a foothold in the second half, I knew the chances would come. We have a much stronger, healthier squad depth this season, and turning to the bench, I was confident our substitutes could impact the game, which they clearly did.

“We looked dangerous up front all evening. While it’s frustrating to miss so many opportunities, as a manager, it’s far more concerning when you aren’t creating them at all, so there are plenty of positives to build on.

“Robbo (Lee Robinson), our number 9, was a constant threat all night and took his goals brilliantly, including a neat finish and an extraordinary effort ruled out for offside that easily should have been goal of the season. He is a massive player for us.”

He added: “We’ll rectify those defensive errors, learn from the match, and move forward. We’ve got a fantastic FA Vase draw away at St Blazey which is always a great place to visit before heading to Wadebridge to face my old friend Rower, who has just gone back in charge.

“It’s never an easy game against his sides, so we will prepare properly, kick on, and aim to be an entertaining, winning side this season.”