An injury sustained by striker Kizzy Snowden overshadowed an impressive win for Penzance Reserves in the penultimate league fixture of the season at a very muddy Chacewater Recreation Ground.
Just minutes after completing his hat-trick, Snowden hurt his ankle whilst helping out in defence, a recurrence of an injury which side-lined him earlier in the season. He had to be carried off the pitch and was taken to hospital after the final whistle to assess the extent of the damage.
Making light of the absence of experienced captain James Payne and target man Joel Steel, the Magpies enjoyed the better chances in a tight first half with Tyler Smith having a goal disallowed for offside and Haidar Fadli hitting a post. They exploded into life immediately after the break with a superb goal. Tyler Dayus set up Harvey Richings whose delightful side-footed cross was emphatically rammed home by Snowden.
The lead was doubled six minutes later. Lewis Hitchens released Snowden down the left and the striker's curling shot rebounded off the far post into the path of Smith who made no mistake.
Two further goals from Snowden - a soaring header from stand-in captain Josh Whitburn's pinpoint cross and a ferocious low drive from the edge of the area - sealed the win. A late rally saw Chacewater denied by the crossbar and some excellent saves by Adrian Murley.
The victory lifts the Magpies up to 4th place - the position in which they will finish unless Rosudgeon Reserves are defeated by a margin of fourteen goals or more in the season's final league fixture at Penlee Park on Tuesday night.
Penzance: Adrian Murley, Matt Robinson, Lewis Hitchens, Tyler Dayus, Josh Whitburn (captain), Joshua Reeves, Tyler Smith, Robertas Samnauskas, Kizzy Snowden, Haidar Fadli, Harvey Richings. Rolling subs: Dylan Walter, Connor Thomas, Jake Heale, Anthony Nicholas