PENZANCE 0, NEWQUAY 2

Penzance slipped to their first home league defeat since August, beaten by title-chasing Newquay in front of a bumper 268 crowd at Penlee Park writes James Wright...

After a cagey opening, the Magpies had the first shot of the game, Josh Storey firing wide with a 12th minute sighter from distance. The first effort on target came at the other end though, Mikey Flores diving to his left to parry a sharp drive by Phil Lowry. And the Newquay midfielder was heavily involved in the move that saw his side edge ahead just before the half hour mark, dovetailing with Tom Sheppard before Dan Carne forced the ball over the line after a frantic scramble in the Penzance penalty area.

Jamie Edlin was fortunate not to turn a drilled centre from Charlie Willis into his own net as the Magpies threatened an immediate response. Willis had two good chances as the interval approached, first seeing a shot blocked after great work down the left by Curtis Smith, then curling an effort just over.

Lewis Caspall had a fierce drive charge down as the Magpies also made a positive start to the second period. However, the Peppermints were the better side after the turnaround. Only a quite breath-taking Flores save at point-blank range denied Carne his second. Then, just seconds after coming off the bench, Alex Cole bundled home a cross from the right to double the lead.

Penzance did not give up. Set up by a purposeful burst through the centre by Caspall, teenage striker Brook Williams – on for Jacob Trudgeon - fired over. Then Mark Vercesi, himself a second half sub, connected with a deep Willis free-kick but Tom Moxham hooked clear the player-manager’s header. Finally, Williams – fresh from a two goal salvo for Cornwall Under-16s the previous night - was just unable to convert a whipped cross from the left by Smith.

The win leaves Newquay needing to beat Wendron in their final game to secure the title though, given their vastly superior goal difference to that of rivals Liskeard Athletic, a point will almost certainly suffice.

Penzance: Mikey Flores, Archie Reynolds (Ewan Trevains 61), Curtis Smith, Josh Storey, Chris Wormington, Sam Young (Ollie Butler 61),  Jacob Trudgeon (Brook Williams 55), Charlie Willis, Charlie Young, Lewis Caspall, Silas Sullivan (captain) (Mark Vercesi 61).

Unused sub: Tyler Tonkin

Newquay: Brodie Cole, Jamie Edlin, Tom Moxham, Cam Turner, Harry Downing, Ross Fallens, Tom Sheppard, Aaron Dilly, Callam McOnie, Phil Lowry, Dan Carne.

Subs: Oliver Butterworth, Owen Johnson, Lucas Potts, Alex Cole, Jack Bray-Evans

Referee: Max Davies

Assistants: Barry Raiker, Paul Barker

Attendance: 268