St Newlyn East made the trip to St Teath under the cloud of the impending lockdown-announcement knowing that a performance was required to answer the criticisms of the previous lacklustre draw at home. They arrived to find a pitch that had barely survived to kick off and a determined-looking opposition. However, the Saints produced a sensational footballing display masterminded by management-duo Grigg and Thompson which saw them maintain their 5th spot in the league.

The visitors took the game by the unmentionables in fine style with 4 golden opportunities in the first 5 minutes alone. The team played with a confidence and flow that belied the conditions underfoot and they left their opponents reeling. The opener came courtesy of a great move seeing Dan Woodgate feeding Calum Faulkner whose fine cross was met by Ross London who headed home decisively.

15 minutes later London himself supplied Woodgate who blasted a drive home from 20 yards to beat the keeper. A slight loss of concentration by Newlyn 5 minutes ahead of the break saw St Teath produce their only shot in anger for the match as an attempt was tipped onto the post by Zefran Counter who smothered the rebound safely. This was followed closely by London securing his brace after pouncing on a loose ball forced by Elliott Powell’s strong challenge.

The 2nd half saw a repeat of the first as 3 quick-fire chances went begging for Newlyn and St Teath barely touched the ball for the opening 5 minutes after the restart. The Saints made regular changes to allow players time on the pitch and rest some weary legs from the miserable conditions. Owen London has by far his best performance so far in a Saints shirt and was constantly a threat to the home defence forcing 2 fine saves from the home keeper.

Faulkner saw a shot cannon off the crossbar and Josh Dingle was a powerhouse down the right for the whole 90 minutes. Lucas Moses made some searing runs and nearly scored himself with an exquisite curling shot that the keeper finger-tipped round the post and a brutally dipping shot that nearly made it in from 40 yards.

On 79 minutes Owen London won a strong challenge on the far right, beat several attempts to bring him down and dealt a pass to Dan Parsonage who drilled home from close range to make it 4. Returning Ollie Downing shaved the upright with an attempt and the home side were reeling. Young London was then brought down in the box with a clumsy challenge and he had the strength of will to take the spot-kick which he duly converted by sending the keeper the wrong way.

A truly dominant and relentless performance by St Newlyn East on a pitch that could easily have been deemed unplayable was a joy to behold. It’s just a shame that there must now be a pause in their campaign but if they can reproduce this form after lockdown then their season should be an entertaining and successful one!

Man of the Match – Dan Woodgate