Despite suffering a second consecutive league defeat for the first time since the end of the 2021/22 season the Saints can come away with a lot of positives from their visit to table-topping St Blazey Reserves. There was a palpable change of attitude from the kick-off that was not apparent in their previous game and the hosts realised quickly they were in for a tough game.

Control, patience, and quality were apparent across Blaise Park for both teams, yet the visitors had the better of the opening exchanges with Ross London and brother Owen tearing the home defence apart – Ross with a good pair of chances and Owen firing just over the bar in the opening 20 minutes.

Controversy at that point though when Owen London made a great run starting from behind the full back when the ball was played and anticipating the pass in behind he ran past the defender only to be hacked down in the penalty area when through for a goal scoring opportunity. The official duly pointed to the spot – but then spotted a late, raised flag for offside given against the young Newlyn forward. Newlyn’s complaints were ultimately vindicated by the neutrals watching who agreed there was no offside later in the evening, but they were unable to affect the immediate response from the offside that saw St. Blazey drive straight down the field and score much to the frustrations of the visitors.

Newlyn did not lose heart, and London forced a good save from the home ‘keeper just 2 minutes later. Cody Hill – deputising in Newlyn’s goal again for the injured Prentice - made a great save from a move that followed from a poor defensive pass. Fighting for every ball the visitors had lots of chances – Ross London forcing another save on 30 minutes, fine last-ditch blocks from the home defence, a corner nearly put away on 38 minutes and some great moves almost opening up in front of the home goal. St Blazey were always dangerous when going forward with their young, lively forwards a constant threat that Newlyn always had to be alert to.

After the break, Newlyn restarted again the better of the two sides, Ross London’s strike on 50 minutes again parried by the outstanding home keeper, who saved from brother Owen’s shot 2 minutes later. Changes added to Newlyn’s threat, but they were again beaten on 57 minutes by a direct drive by the hosts that appeared to be offside resulting in a second goal.

St. Blazey then produced the goal of the match for their third in a torrid spell for Newlyn who were simply ripped apart by a stunning move on the hour. This was followed 10 minutes later by their fourth which resulted from slack defending and tired Saints legs as the youthful St. Blazey players looked to end the game as a contest.

A succession of substitutions followed on both sides, but Newlyn had a sudden and swift spell of success to dampen the home spirits. With four minutes left on the clock young Sonny Summers-Evans made a good headed clearance from a corner kick and the resultant move saw Ross London burst through and drive low past the otherwise solid keeper for 4-1. And keeping positive till the very end, Newlyn pushed forwards again and again – London unable t find the net from some glorious one-on-one opportunities but eventually securing a brace after a strong shot cannoned off him and into the goal after a brave block by the home goalkeeper.

After Saturday’s disappointing performance Newlyn will feel that they had lots of positives to take away from the game - even if it wasn’t the points!

Newquay Health Man Of The Match: Owen London