After a pre-season campaign that saw Newlyn only play three friendly games it was a welcome relief for the Saints to finally start their campaign against a rejuvenated and strong Foxhole side. Despite missing regular goalkeeper Zef Counter due to Covid, Jamie Seery with work commitments and long -term absences due to injury in Cam Buchanan and Ollie Downing a depleted but new-look Newlyn took to Goverseth Park determined to put in a performance their loyalty and hard work demanded and deserved. Illness to their captain Callum Faulkner before the game also forced Saints to start him at centre half alongside Jack Thompson instead of in his usual midfield position.

Both sides started brightly but as the half progressed the home side started to create some opportunities without really threatening Newlyn’s stand-in keeper Jordan Cole. Newlyn cam closest to opening the scoring when Dan Parsonage rose highest at the far post to head back across the goal only to see his effort strike the upright and canon out. Foxhole immediately broke and were rewarded just a minute later when Newlyn were unable to clear a long through and gave Benno Bould too much space who was able to lob an overhead kick past Cole.

Moments later, Deadman’s second long throw was flicked on by Jake Couch for Ryan Wilkins to nudge home to double the lead.

Foxhole had another opportunity to increase their lead further when Tyler Cheshire struck the crossbar but the Saints stood firm and began to enjoy more of the ball before the break, creating some half-chances of their own.

Newlyn were the brighter team at the start of the second half and pressed hard for a goal to reduce the deficit. Simon Baulch. On as a second half substitute saw his goal bound effort tipped away by Heaton in the Foxes’ goal and the home team were again indebted to their keeper when he was forced to dive low to his left to save from Elliot Powell.

Newlyn’s players – to a man – were working hard to close the home side down, denying space and attacking with fervour when able to with their midfield trio of Brodie Mitchell, Dan Woodgate and Harry Mugford dominant in the half.

As Newlyn pressed for the goal their performance deserved, they were caught on the break and from one of these Ollie Deadman drew a foul from Mitchell that allowed him to score a third from the penalty spot in the 91st minute.

Newlyn’s players can all be proud to a man of their performance and how they represented their club. With this attitude and level of commitment there are positive signs of good things to come from the Cargoll Road outfit.

The Pheasant Inn Man-of-the-Match: Josh Dingle