AFTER a difficult start to the season, St Blazey appear to be finding their feet as they demonstrated in their deserved victory over one of the league’s best sides at Blaise Park on Saturday.

The Green and Blacks produced arguably their best 90 minutes of football so far this season against Matt Cusack’s top six side with first half goals from Callum McGhee and Harry Probyn providing the platform to go on to clinch an impressive three points.

The Green & Blacks were good all over the pitch on Saturday but especially in defence where an anticipated second half backlash from Buckland never materialised as the home side went on to claim only their third clean sheet of the league campaign, with Tom Cavanagh and Charlie Hambly outstanding.

In difficult blustery conditions, Buckland started strongly and had the ball in the net after two minutes. Ryan Bush’s initial shot on target was brilliantly kept out by Blazey keeper Kyle Moore and when Luke Forward fired the rebound into the net, a linesman’s flag ruled out the effort for offside.

Very much against the run of play Blazey took the lead in the 13th minute when McGhee was played through the middle before lifting his shot past Buckland keeper Jordan Duffey into the net.

Two minutes later it took a great save from Moore to prevent Buckland equalising. Phil Mendonca’s corner picked out defender Rafael Beadman and his powerful header was tipped over the bar.

In an end to end start, Blazey doubled their lead in the 20th minute – at the third attempt. In a crowded penalty area, Will Tinsley’s shot crashed against the bar, Rio Daly then fired the rebound against the post before Probyn powered his shot through legs to make it 2-0.

It was Probyn’s first start since suffering a knee injury in the second game of the season against Helston and he looked hungry.

For the remainder of the half there were half chances at both ends but while the two goals had noticeably boosted Blazey’s confidence, Buckland looked frustrated at not turning their early dominance into a goal or two.

The visitors needed a quick goal in the second half to get themselves back into the contest but they hardly created a chance, their best opportunity coming three minutes into time added on when Toby Hard was well placed to meet Harvey Roche’s cross from the left but Moore kept out his shot.

Buckland were never able to find their rhythm thanks to a combination of the difficult conditions and an increasingly busy refereeing performance which led to seven second half yellow cards and broke up play on multiple occasions, which suited Blazey.

Sam Clifton, the driving force behind most of the home side’s best moments, had two headed opportunities which on a less windy day might have ended in the net rather than over the bar while lively substitute Alfie Fothergill forced Duffey into a fine save four minutes from time.

ST BLAZEY: Kyle Moore, Will Tinsley, Tom Strike, Charlie Hambly, Tom Cavanagh, Rio Daly, Callum McGhee (Harley Collier, 90+1), Sam Clifton (Tom Hensman, 82), Harry Probyn (Alfie Fothergill, 67), Tyler Elliott, Teigan Rosenquest. Subs not used: Mac Dewsnap (gk), Harley Smith.

St Blazey man-of-the-match: Charlie Hambly.