PENRYN ATHLETIC 4

PENZANCE 1

PENRYN Athletic boosted their chances of having to avoid to seek re-election following another fine win against Penzance in the Carlsberg SWL.

The Magpies were their latest victims during a run of results which is the best in the club's history since joining the league.

The difference between the sides was the quality of the finishing and for Athletic it was probably the best they have produced anywhere all season.

Penzance certainly didn't arrive at Kernick Road expecting an easy ride and in the early stages it was the Magpies who were asking all the questions.

They began briskly and maintained the momentum with Steve Jewell having to be alert to clear one effort off the line as early as the fifth minute.

It came as no real surprise that the visitors took the lead in the 15th minute when Alex Machie's free kick to the near post saw Dave Birt tuck the ball away inside Andy Avery's post.

Ryan Williams took no further part in the game when he was substituted through injury in the 24th minute with Damon Mulready taking his place.

Three minutes later the sides were all square when Darren Burchell, who had an excellent game in midfield for Athletic, found Shane D'Cotta with a great pass and after holding off a defender kept his nerve to crack his shot past Paul Williams from close range.

The Magpies had plenty of possession, but have shown in recent games that they can dig in and defend and after 37 minutes it paid off when they snatched the lead. D'Cotta back-heeled the ball into the path of Jamie Thirkle who sped down the flank and played the ball into the path of Dave Wilkinson who, despite being closely marked, slid the ball into the path of Wilkinson who gave Williams no chance with his cool finish.

Birt, who sustained an injury, was replaced during the interval and 12 minutes into the half Athletic tightened their grip with an excellent move. Burchell beat two defenders before lifting the ball to Neil Kennedy who, spotting Williams off his line, found Wilkinson who headed over the 'keeper.

Kennedy and Ryan Trudgian both worked hard in midfield for the home side, getting in a toe and tackle in when it mattered most, and after 74 minutes Athletic put the result beyond Penzance with a fourth goal.

Again Burchell was involved as he released D'Cotta with a superb pass and after drawing Williams off his line clipped a ball to the far post where Wilkinson had the simplest of chances to complete his hat-trick and set up a fine win.

It was all over for Penzance as Athletic ran the clock down with substitutions and take the three points that puts clear daylight between them and those struggling at the foot of the table.

Athletic: A Avery, L Oldfield, J Thirkle, R Williams, A Holland, A Trudgian, D Burchell, N Kennedy, D Wilkinson, S D'Cotta, S Jewell. Subs: D Martin, D Mulready, W Scoley, A Stivey.