MATCH REPORT: ST BLAZEY 4–0 BRISLINGTON

Seven days on from the long trip to St Austell – just a short distance from this week’s destination of St Blazey – Brislington were back in Cornwall. With no hiccups on the journey this time, spirits were high and the Foxes were targeting another three points against a side who hadn’t won since early August.

The Foxes, however, travelled under difficult circumstances with several experienced players absent, leaving just three young impact players on the bench. With first-choice keeper Jordan Schofield facing a lengthy spell out, teenager Ethan Selway was drafted in from Hengrove to make his debut.

Bris started brightly in glorious sunshine, pressing well and moving the ball through the lines, though without carving out clear chances. On 20 minutes, St Blazey offered their first threat – Selway producing a fine save when a goal looked certain – only for the home side to score from the resulting corner, Rio Daly blasting home a loose ball.

Momentum swung firmly in Blazey’s favour, and moments later they should have doubled the lead, but the striker pulled wide. Brislington’s attack looked blunt, prompting manager Lewton into an early tactical switch – replacing striker Borges with midfielder Frazer. The Foxes went in a goal down at the break, still hopeful of a response.

Those hopes were dashed three minutes after the restart when Teigan Rosenquest was first to another set piece, squeezing his finish inside the far post. The tie slipped further away on 58 minutes as Ross Willcock’s speculative effort from distance looped awkwardly past Selway for 3–0.

Bris had half-chances through Buck and Scadding but couldn’t seriously test the home keeper. Blazey struck a fourth from another loose ball in the box, and although substitute Mannings had opportunities late on, he couldn’t find the net. His frustration showed on 88 minutes when he was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident.

It was a tough afternoon for Brislington, but there was one bright spot: a senior debut for 16-year-old Frankie Chillcott. The U18 prospect came on for the final 35 minutes, demanded the ball, and showed no fear in stepping up a level. A player to watch in the weeks ahead.

Manager Lewton will feel somewhat hard done by, having seen his first two games in charge both end in 4–0 defeats. Neither match felt one-sided at the halfway stage, but the chastening results came nonetheless. Perspective is certainly needed – as is time – in what is very much a season of rebuilding.