St Minver 1sts 1 v 3 Padstow United

With a depleted squad this week we knew it was going to be a battle against a determined Padstow team for their first game of the season. But that is no excuse as we should have been able to show enough character and class to compete. Unfortunately at this level as we are learning quickly, you can't afford to gift teams goals and expect to get away unscathed.

We made a positive start and took a 14th minute lead when Ed Green converted from the spot after Gyles Reynolds had been upended.

We hoped that scoring early would relax us and we could continue to play the fast attacking football we had produced at Roche.

Unfortunately Padstow equalised soon after when a break down their left with their player running free way too easily and was allowed to whip in a cross to the back stick where Adam Wilcox had evaded his marker too easily and was on hand to tap home unmarked for a cheap goal from our perspective.

We then pressed the self destruct button again on 25 minutes when we gave the ball away cheaply out of defence and allowed Fran Riddle to fire home from long range past a stranded Ryan Holland.

We tried to get back in to the game before half time and created several chances but failed to take any of the opportunities that were presented. Padstow continued to press when they got the opportunity and were also more aggressive in to the majority of the challenges.

Half time: St Minver 1sts 1 - 2 Padstow United

The game ebbed and flowed in the 2nd half but we were unable to capitalise on our possession and the 3rd goal came when we again failed to clear the ball and Kev Allen was on hand to head home on 65 minutes.

We pressed for the remainder of the game but could not break down a stubborn and well drilled Padstow defence.

Full time: St Minver 1sts 1 - 3 Padstow United

We wish Padstow all the best for their season and they certainly arrived at Trewint Lane very determined today and went away with the deserved 3 points.

We have to be stronger and more determined if we are to progress in this league.

Unfortunately we have no game next weekend due to Nanpean withdrawing from the league. Next up we have Roche away on Saturday September 9th with a 14:00 kick off in the 1st round of the Roy Radford Division 1 Cup.

It was also a pleasure today to have a Level 3 referee in Martyn Gospel take the game and it was great to see him in action making it a very simple job keeping 2 competitive sides on the right side of the laws.

Today's squad