MATCH REPORT: ST AUSTELL 0-4 BRISLINGTON FC

Brislington’s eighth league fixture of the season took them to Cornwall to face bottom side St Austell — a team who had lost all seven of their opening games, conceding 34 goals in the process. With Bris arriving on the back of two straight wins, hopes were high of extending their recent run of form.

There was no shortage of off-field news in the build-up. Manager Ash Kington announced he was stepping down from the dugout to focus on his playing role, with Matt Lewton (formerly of Bridgwater’s coaching staff) confirmed as the new manager. Adding further buzz was the return of Shea Mannings, fresh from his summer Love Island exploits, who rejoined the Foxes squad in time for the trip.

The day, however, was far from straightforward. Brislington endured a nightmare journey west, with their coach breaking down twice on the way. Kick-off was delayed by 75 minutes, and there were murmurs among supporters as to whether fatigue from the ordeal might play its part.

First-half dominance

If anything, the shaky travel only sharpened Brislington’s focus. Although the hosts started brightly, Shea Mannings immediately showed his threat in the sixth minute, twice going close after powerful runs. It felt inevitable, and on 16 minutes the breakthrough came: Alfie Clarke chipped a delightful ball over the defence, which Mannings read perfectly before tapping home for his first goal back in Bris colours.

Just three minutes later, Mannings turned provider. Linking with Callum Evans, the midfielder crashed a stunning strike into the top corner from distance. At 2–0, St Austell were already wilting.

Kington, leading by example in his final game as manager, was relentless in midfield, cutting off any home possession before it could develop. An injury to Oaklan Buck on the half-hour saw young Freddie Frazer introduced, but it didn’t halt Brislington’s momentum.

On 34 minutes, Mannings struck again — pressing a defender into a mistake before rounding the goalkeeper with ease. His third direct contribution of the afternoon came just before the interval, sliding a perfect pass into Ollie Williams, who finished neatly at the far post. Bris went in 4–0 up at half-time, the contest effectively over.

Controlling the game

The second half was more subdued, with Brislington managing the game rather than chasing further goals. On the hour, Mannings was denied the chance of a debut hat-trick as he, Evans and Kington made way for Jones, McLeary and Wiltshire. The changes naturally disrupted the fluency, but Bris continued to work hard and see out the game professionally.

McLeary offered flashes of creativity without reward, while at the other end, goalkeeper Schofield remained largely untested as the hosts rarely threatened. The clean sheet was never in danger.

Full-time

A comprehensive 4–0 victory capped a professional away performance, ensuring Brislington made it three wins on the bounce. The travelling Foxes faithful returned from Cornwall in great spirits — and this time the coach journey home was full of smiles.