Shepton Mallet ended a run of three defeats with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against St Blazey on Saturday in a lively clash at the Playing Fields.

The Cornish visitors took a first-half lead through Tyler Elliott, but Mallet hit back after the break with a well-taken finish from Assan Sowe — who later collected the home Man of the Match honours.

Shepton started brightly, with Conrad Peck missing an early sitter before Blazey threatened through Harry Robyn and Tom Cavanagh, who hit the bar. New signing Jay Sutherland, making only his second start, made a crucial goal-line tackle to keep the score level early on.

Ben Snell nearly produced a moment of magic with an overhead kick, only for Blazey's Kyle Moore to tip it wide. But the visitors struck in first-half stoppage time when Elliott's angled effort squirmed through keeper Will Hunter's grasp.

After the break, Sowe turned in the rebound from a blocked Snell shot to level the game on 55 minutes. Hunter then atoned for his earlier error with a stunning save to deny Robyn from five yards.

Snell and Ashton Shanley both went close late on, but Shepton couldn't find a winner in front of 146 fans.

The result halts Shepton's slide ahead of a busy week at the Playing Fields.

Upcoming fixtures at the Playing Fields

– Tuesday, 14 October, Somerset Premier Cup: Shepton Mallet v Mendip Broadwalk, KO 7.30pm

– Thursday, 16 October, U18s: Shepton Mallet v Chard, KO 7.30pm

– Saturday, 18 October, FA Vase 1st Round Proper: Shepton Mallet v Corsham Town, KO 3.00pm

Meanwhile, Cam Allen has departed to join Corsham Town — the club thanked him for his service. Jay Sutherland, who impressed on Saturday, is welcomed to the squad.

Shepton Mallet FC also extended thanks to new sponsors La Bella and Total Plumbing for their support.

More local stories:

• Four candidates confirmed for Shepton Mallet East Ward by-election
• Shepton Mallet's historic Shambles closed temporarily after safety audit

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