SWPL Division 1 West: Wendron United 5-0 Penzance

CAMERON Wheat scored a hat-trick as Wendron United hammered Penzance in their South West Peninsula League Division 1 West match on Saturday.

The Dron had an own goal to thank for opening the scoring early on, while Michael O’Neill rounded off a comprehensive victory for the hosts towards the end.

The win was revenge for the Dron’s league defeat in the reverse fixture at Penlee Park back in October, while it also takes Wendron to within three points of their highest-ever tally in the SWPL Division 1 West, which was achieved in the 2016/17 season.

Wendron left-back Reece Carroll (right). Picture by Colin Higgs

Wendron started well and were a goal up inside seven minutes, with good work from TJ Walter resulting in his cross being punched into one of his team-mates and into the net by the Penzance ‘keeper.

Wheat grabbed his first and his side’s second soon after when Rory Jarvis played in Jack Stocker who sent Wheat through on goal. The young winger was too quick for the last defender who brought him down, but he sprung back to his feet to nip in and slot home.

The hosts extended their lead shortly before half-time when a one-two between Stocker and Tom Martin allowed the former to beat his man and tee up the unmarked Wheat to his left, who netted his second of the game.

Wheat in action during Saturday's game. Picture by Colin Higgs

The youngster thought he had his hat-trick early in the second half when he headed Walter’s cross home at the far post, but the flag had gone up for offside.

But he did secure his treble on the hour following good work from Jarvis, who squared the ball to Wheat, who shrugged off his marker to pass the ball into the net.

The score did not flatter Wendron and it could have been more, with Reece Carroll striking the crossbar from 25 yards while Martin hit the post from the edge of the box.

The fifth goal arrived in the final few minutes with Jarvis rounding the ‘keeper and squaring to O’Neill, who bundled the ball past the covering defender from close range.

Wendron: D Stedman, J Souch, R Carroll, S Humphries, J Webb (J Burtenshaw 50), B Ringrose, T Martin (W Paul 60), J Stocker, C Wheat, T Walter (M O’Neill 75), R Jarvis.

Mike O'Neill (rear, claret) bundles the ball home for goal number five. Picture by Colin Higgs