If it were possible to erase the first 10 minutes of the game, Newquay would be celebrating a stunning one goal victory.
Sadly, the fact of the matter is that in the opening stages Newquay failed to get into the game at all. Southampton players enjoyed freedom to shoot almost unchallenged from close range. The visitors soon sailed to a 9-0 lead.
Newquay finally kicked into gear, their defensive lineup bolsered by the returning Tristan Mullar-Forster, and player-coach Jürgen Koenen. Newquay also welcomed Aym Dupuy to the game, Devon Handball‘s head honcho. Aym proved a thorn in the side of Southampton all game, firing in a hatfull of goals.
After this initial spell, the remainder of the first half was even, going into the break 8-16 in favour of Southampton. Momentum was beginning to swing in favour of the home side. The second period saw this energy grow, goals from Eddie Percy-Hughes, Kevin Welsh, Jon Hyatt and the growing presence of Adolf Botar took it to a 4 point game.
With 15 minutes remaining and Newquay in the ascendency, Koenen took a major fall under a strong challenge from a Southampton defender. This was the end of the game for Newquay’s talented coach, who had been masterminding the Newquay fightback.
After the stoppage Newquay were unable to find quite the same level of game, chances going astray and mistakes creeping in meant the game inched away. However,in the closing stages Dupuy provided the highlight of the match, spectacularly diving into the area, catching and finishing a cross-area pass from Hyatt. Pure class.
A defeat, but an encouraging performance – barring the first 10mins. The good news is, revenge could be just round the corner, with the return fixture on Sunday 22nd. The encounter throws off at 2.30pm at the Dragon Centre, Bodmin. Spectators welcome, fireworks guaranteed.
