PENRYN Athletic missed their big chance to get on top of the South West Peninsula League West table on Saturday.

They needed just a point to topple Helston Athletic off first place, but the opportunity was not taken up as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dobwalls.

New signing Scott Palmer was able to get on the scoresheet with a stunning long distance free kick, but Athletic came up against a side who looked hungry and caused them problems all afternoon.

The visitors were good value for their victory and took the lead after six minutes when Jack Bartlett showed good control on the edge of the penalty area before chipping a shot towards goal.

Chris Symons was unable to get a hand to it as the ball looped over him.

Athletic put in a response five minutes later through their latest signing as the ex-Truro City striker showed some class.

Midfielder Kevin Lawrence was fouled 30 yards away from goal and despite not looking like the sort of area to have a shot, Palmer pummelled the free kick on target and soaring into the net.

His tremendous strike would not keep the scores level for long though as with 20 minutes on the clock Dobwalls went back in front.

Bartlett made a run down the right wing before sending the ball into the box.

Ryan Martt stuck a leg out to try and divert the ball behind for a corner, but unfortunately his effort did not end as planned.

The ball spun up in the air and found a gap between Symons the crossbar.

Dobwalls kept up their quick style of football during the game and felt they should have had a third in the second half, only to see the linesman’s flag up for offside.

It was not a good day at the office for Atheltic, who have dropped down to fourth in the table on goal difference ahead of their Walter C Parson Cup tie at St Austell on Saturday.

PENRYN: Symons, Blizzard, Moody, Toy (Jorey, 57), Oliver (c), Martt, Brabyn, Lawrence, Palmer, Broglino, Cooke (Band, 57).