St Newlyn East moved into top spot in the East Cornwall Premier League for the first time in their history with a win that was more emphatic than the score line suggests.

Newlyn came out of the blocks looking to avenge their earlier cup defeat to St Stephen and went ahead when Dan Woodgate continued his scoring run to open the scoring after just 9 minutes. The home side doubled their advantage 7 minutes later when a pinpoint cross from Chris Sturgess was met with a sliding finish at the near post by Ben Lawrence.

The visitors reduced the score line when Newlyn failed to pick up a St Stephen player at the far post from a corner and he had the simplest of tap ins. This only spurred Newlyn in to life again and 2 quickfire goals from Woodgate and Owen London on 28 and 29 minutes seemingly gave the hosts a comfortable advantage. However a deflected shot from a free-kick and a sliced clearance off Ben Hawken - that fell fortuitously yet again to an unmarked St Stephen player to score from - gave them hope of an upset despite Newlyn's dominance.

The second half Saw Newlyn score their fifth when Owen London danced past visiting defenders before scoring low in to the far corner. Substitute Ross London had 4 gilt-edged, glorious opportunities to score but the Saints Talisman - returning from injury - was unable to capitalise. Ben Lawrence also went close when one-on-one with the keeper but his finish went just wide of the post.

St Stephen were able to score a very late goal in added on time at the end of the half - yet again a clearance falling to their player for the easiest of finishes.

Newlyn hit the top spot and although teams chasing them still have games in hand on the Saints, Newlyn will feel they are there on merit and now look forward to away trip to St Teath next Saturday as the begin a run of 9 weeks without a home fixture.

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