St Newlyn East started the New Year with a dominant performance against local rivals Holywell & Cubert Athletic in what had been a hotly anticipated local derby. There was a good -sized crowd to watch the Saints who had ended 2019 on a good vein of form.

Despite being short of several regulars the hosts were in buoyant mood at the start of the game. Straight from the whistle they were able to control the game across all areas. The interplay and communication that had been lacking in many of their recent performances came together beautifully and the effort and energy put in by the whole squad was soon to find success.

Midfield pace and bursting runs down the wing – notably by young Lucas Moses – stretched the visitors and the passing between Martyn Probert, Brodie Mitchell and Moses was too much for Holywell. A succession of early chances – including a near-miss for Moses – was topped off after 15 minutes when Probert met a fine cross from the right to drive a thunderous header into the bulging net from 6 yards. Harry Mugford twice mis-fired from range, Mitchell had openings and Moses hit the post after a diving save from the visiting ‘keeper.

Newlyn’s defensive line held firm and true – Al Titterington controlling things with all his experience and returning veteran Steve Harris was a rock at left back. Ross Emery and Josh Dingle saw nothing get past them and Dingle was especially active roaming far and wide with seemingly unlimitless energy. Callum Faulkner and Sam Lawrence distributed things well and Ian Brooks in the Saints goal was seldom troubled.

Probert gained his brace after half an hour driving a ramrod of a low drive in - his initial shot having been deflected off a defender, missing the legs of Mitchell and coming back to Probert to shoot.

The two-goal cushion saw the hosts sit back and this led to a couple of tame openings for Holywell which Brooks calmly dealt with. A harsh booking for Mugford just before the break was the only negative moment for Newlyn.

The second half continued apace for the hosts as – just 60 seconds in - Mitchell shot from at least 30 yards distance and he saw his screamer nearly burst the net to huge cheers from the home fans. There was almost an own goal to add to Newlyn’s tally as Holywell’s defence was being put under increasing pressure after substitutions in the half being made with Craig Jackson, Spencer Gaylard and especially youngster Owen London producing aggressive performances.

Probert secured the match ball on 75 minutes with a decisive strike from the edge of the box having beaten two defenders and connecting a sweet shot which neither a defender’s leg nor ‘keepers gloves could keep out. The hosts never let up the pressure and with 5 minutes left were awarded a penalty after a dubious challenge from the Holywell ‘keeper prevented a goalscoring opportunity. Mitchell stepped up but saw his shot well saved – however Sam Lawrence reacted the quickest of all and slotted home a poachers’ delight to put the game beyond doubt.

This was a fine outing for a side that shows it has great strength in depth and when firing on all cylinders can be a threat to any side. They now find themselves 3rd in the League. With their next match the Junior Cup 4th Round home tie against Trelawney runaway leaders Holmans SC at Cargoll Road this Saturday, 2pm KO the Managers will have a pleasantly difficult time picking the squad after everyone showed their true colours in a dominant display of form.

THE PHEASANT INN MAN OF THE MATCH – MARTYN PROBERT