For the second consecutive week Newlyn East could only record a draw at home – this time against AFC Bodmin who they dispatched comfortably earlier in the season. Newlyn have been misfiring of late and not playing to their strengths as well as being unable to convert the chances they are creating.

Missing regular left back Will Perry and left sided midfielder Harry Mugford injured, Newlyn reverted to a back three behind a five-man midfield that should have allowed them to dominate possession and dictate play. The opening exchanges were positive with Newlyn pressing Bodmin back and finding space. Unfortunately, this pressure faded as Newlyn lost their shape and as players dwelt on the ball, they were caught in possession allowing Bodmin to attack Newlyn’s three man rear-guard.

Newlyn felt they should have been awarded a penalty when a rash challenge on Matt Toms upended the winger in the penalty area only for the referee to waive away Newlyn’s appeals. The same player was then brought down on the edge of the area which saw Thompson’s free-kick flash over the bar.

Lucas Moses struck a Bodmin post from a very tight angle when a better option may have been to pull the ball back to the unmarked Callum Faulkner. Jack Thomson went close with long range shots and Matt Toms; Newlyn’s electric winger was a constant threat. Jamie Seery led Newlyn’s defence and dominated any ariel challenges.

Toms had to be replaced with Craig Jackson after 30 minutes with a recurrence of a hamstring injury. A poor decision to take a quick free-kick gifted possession back to Bodmin on 35 minutes and as Newlyn failed to deal with the long pass more hesitance allowed Mike Horne to put the visitors ahead as Newlyn failed to clear.

A change in formation to their more familiar four-man defence and numerous half time substitutions seemed to energise the home side as they started to play football with confidence that was missing using the previous half.

Josh Dingle collected a pass on the right and cut inside before firing Newlyn level off the post after 65 minutes. A frantic ten minute period then saw a Bodmin shot take a wicked deflection off Al Titterington and on to the cross bar before Newlyn’s Thompson shot hit the Bodmin post from a free-kick. Late on Callum Faulkner’ shot was well saved but Newlyn could not find the finish to secure all three points.

Zefran Counter was called in to action in the closing minutes in Newlyn’s goal diving to his right to save well from a Bodmin long range shot.

Newlyn remain undefeated this season but know they face a stern challenge on Saturday at league leaders Gunnislake when they will be able to welcome back into the squad both Will Perry and Harry Mugford as well as Ross London who has missed Newlyn’s last four matches.
The Pheasant Inn Man-of-the-Match: Lucas Moses