With so many other clubs calling off their matches due to frost, St Newlyn East appeared to have missed the worst of the cold weather and had prepared a near-perfect playing surface in what was a glorious day for football. The Saints had bolstered their squad with the addition of 2 former Goonhavern players Chris Sturgess and Dan Ball thanks to the support of their former club who have had to fold their Combination League team.

Spectator numbers on the day were boosted by 3 "Groundhoppers" that had amazingly made the journey down from Birmingham and Stoke and we want to thank them for their support pitch-side!

In a repeat of the reverse fixture a few weeks ago, Looe started the game at a very quick pace, playing some smart football and controlling the midfield areas well. Newlyn struggled to find their feet and Prentice in goal was called upon to parry several early chances from the visitors. It did not take the hosts long, though, to start to gel as a unit once again. 11 minutes in and ever-improving Jackson Rochford made a blistering run down the right wing to outstrip his marker, sending a pinpoint cross over to Dan Woodgate who slotted home with a firm shot to bulge the net.

Looe continued to press with their quick passing, driving straight at the heart of the Saints defence, Prentice again solid on his line, but after another 10 minutes the same 2 of Rochford and Woodgate again linked up - captain Jack Thompson sending a needle-precise pass through to the sprinting Rochford who once more delivered to Woodgate in front of goal to double their advantage.

Looe began to falter as the half drew to a close, and the Saints did not relent the pressure one bit, and as injury time passed for the end of the half Woodgate secured a hat-trick with a close range drive after some pinball defending in the Looe box.

With Looe unable to vary their attacking strategy, the home side consolidated their position in the second half, and the visitors began to dish out some industrial challenges around the pitch - notably on Woodgate - and the cards began to tot up in what was otherwise a very fair match. Complacency began to undermine the Saints' control on the pitch and openings began to appear - quickly snuffed out though by good tactical changes off the home bench.

Rochford unfortunately clipped the heels of an opponent earning an early card for Christmas from the official, but he then got a surprise present with a great header off an Owen London corner with just 4 minutes left to play.

The win sees the Saints rise to 3rd in the table, just 2 points off top spot and a great recent run of 3 home wins on the bounce, scoring 14 goals!

After the Christmas break Newlyn are once again at home on New Years Eve in the eagerly-anticipated local derby against St Columb Major and an early 1pm kick off!

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