St Newlyn East began their 2024/25 campaign with a victory against local rivals Nanpean Rovers. On a hot afternoon, they came to Victoria Bottoms on the back of a set of positive pre-season performances.

Straight from the kick-off the visitors showed their intent and just 3 minutes in new signing Jay Manning just shot wide after some good passing from Russell Brooker and Cam Burt. Manning was again involved 10 minutes later as he was brought down on the edge of the box after a strong run. The subsequent free-kick was a great set-piece move seeing Ash Bradshaw pick out captain Jack Thompson on the edge of the penalty area and to shoot from distance – his shot deflected off a defender and into the back of the net for the lead.

Nanpean did push forwards, securing a succession of corners – all to no avail. Manning had 2 good shots saved in a couple of minutes half way through the half and The Saints were always on top. Seven minutes from the break the hosts lost a man to a "sin bin" for dissent and Newlyn almost doubled their lead before the break with Ross London and Manning failing to toe-poke in from point-blank range.

Frustrations at the start of the second half saw a close offside call and several 50-50 decisions going the way of the hosts. Newlyn started ringing the changes with substitutions being made throughout the half to keep the energy levels and work rate high in testing hot conditions. However they were reduced to ten men when Manning was himself sin binned for disputing a call from the home linesman.

Down to ten men the Saints did not stop their attacking spirit with repeated chances in quick succession – Owen London, Sonny Summers-Evans and Russell Brooker all coming close.

Back to full strength, with 12 minutes left on the clock ‘keeper Nathan Prentice saved well from a Nanpean corner. On 84 minutes the hosts shot into the side netting from close range and Newlyn's strikers also came close twice again with shots very well saved. Another Newlyn attack down the left wing saw Owen London cut the ball back to Jake Watson who cut inside only to smash his shot against the crossbar.

The final minute saw the home keeper up for a free kick which saw Prentice save the day with some fine work to frustrate the home side.

It’s a fast turnaround for Newlyn as the host St Stephen on Tuesday evening where they will hope to double their points tally for the season.

Newquay Osteopaths Man of the Match: Nathan Prentice

Referee: Dale England