JORDAN Annear believes he is playing “better than ever” as he continues to help Porthleven move up the South West Peninsula League West table.

On Saturday, the striker bagged a hat-trick for the Fishermen as they dismantled Millbrook 6-1 in the league.

His triple took him to 23 goals in all competitions this season, already putting him past his mark of 21 last year.

The 18-year-old has also been included in the Cornwall Under 21s squad who will play the Royal Navy’s side at HMS Drake in Plymouth next Wednesday.

Speaking to the Packet, Annear said he is delighted with his development as a player and is setting himself lofty targets.

Annear said: “It was a good feeling to get a hat-trick on Saturday as I hadn’t scored for a couple of games.

“I’d like to think I am playing better this season compared to last season as I scored 21 times last year and have already surpassed that now.

“Hopefully I can keep improving that tally over the rest of the season.

“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been looking at the top scorers chart for the league, but it will take some effort to overtake [Helston Athletic’s] Mark Goldsworthy as he’s 16 ahead of me.

“But I will certainly try my best anyway, for me and more importantly the team.”

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Annear in action earlier this season against Perranporth.

He also said he was excited to be included in the Cornish side who will be taking on the Navy.

“I am very privileged and honoured to play for my county,” Annear said.

“Considering the senior level is no longer available, playing for Cornwall at youth level is always exciting.

“It is great as it gives you the chance to play with guys from different clubs and provides the opportunity to improve on my own ability with players I’ve grown up playing against.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s game, the Truro College student said it felt great to see the attractive style of football Port like to play finally pay off.

The Fishermen are currently occupying 12th spot in the SWPL West with many onlookers believing they should be higher up the league.

At times the team has struggled against more physically and older outfits, but Annear believes their latest win shows Port are doing the right thing.

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He said: “The first half on Saturday was probably the best football we have played all season and I’m glad the work we put in finally paid off in terms of the score.

“We have been unlucky this year as we’ve only lost by one goal to Illogan, Liskeard and Sticker and have got draws with Penryn and Mousehole, who are all top half sides.

“At times it has been hard for the team to stay motivated as we’ve been playing to our best ability, but for some reason it hasn’t quite clicked.

“A number of clubs have said to us after games “you should have won that”, which is nice, but you’d rather have the wins.

“So we need to starting following through with that and get the results and hopefully Saturday’s win will kick us on.”