St Newlyn East slipped up in their ECPL campaign on Saturday as they threw away 3 points to a strong, young side from St Minver that will do well this season.

The weather was good, the pitch perfect, and a good crowd (including sponsors and a County FA board member) were in attendance, however the home side failed to live up to the expectations of their home fans.

It took the Saints almost 20 minutes to find their first chance - Elliott Powell firing a volley that the visiting ‘keeper saved superbly. Impressive play followed and Powell was again involved as he headed to goal forcing another save that found the feet of Dan Woodgate who fired home into the roof of the net. The Saints switched off for some reason and an equaliser was conceded just 3 minutes later – albeit with many appeals for handball in the build up.

Paxton was a machine and dominated for much of the half but frustration got the better of him as his side stuttered and he was cautioned for an “enthusiastic” challenge.

Half-time changes seemed to have worked for Newlyn as Woodgate bagged his brace just 3 minutes after the break, but they again struggled to find their usual level as passes went unmet and chances over-played to a fizzle. Minver – far stronger and more mobile this half - were able to slice through the home defence straight from a throw in to equalise again and just after the hour took the lead with a well-worked goal from a break down the wing.

Sloppy play was littered with the occasional well-saved chance for the hosts, but there was not enough time for them to regroup to level up and they all looked dejected with the eventual loss.

Hopefully the Saints will rediscover their mojo this weekend as they travel to Padstow which will be another tough match for them.

Man of the Match – Dan Woodgate