WENDRON UNITED 0 PLYMSTOCK UNITED 3 TWO goals from Plymstock United’s Joe Jasper sent a youthful and new-look Wendron to an opening day defeat in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.

For much of the match it looked as though Wendron, who were playing nine players who were playing under-18 football last season, were going to earn a creditable draw. However, when forced down to ten men, because of an injury, Plymstock struck and went onto to add further goals as the home side chased the match.

The first half was a closely-fought game with James Moseley impressing in the Wendron defence as he kept former Underlane player Marcus O’Niell under control.

New signing Ryan Tressider went close with a couple of free-kicks before Plymstock’s Danny Murdoch sent a header of the bar following a corner from Kevin Francis.

Plymstock’s Joe Ridgway then rattled the home crossbar as the visitors began the second half on top.

However the Wendron defence, missing last year’s centre-back pairing of Ed Timmons and Mike Newbury, performed well and it was not until the introduction of Jasper that Plymstock went ahead.

The opening goal, by Jasper, was harsh on Wendron as Brett Andrews was off the field at the time of the goal due to an injury.

Five minutes later a dangerous cross into the box forced James Moseley to divert the ball past his keeper Luke Hilliard.

Moseley almost made amends by racing past a number of opponents before shooting at goal.

As Wendron chased the game Jasper lobbed the stranded Hilliard for his second and Plymstock’s third to give the scoreline a flattering look for the Devon side.

Joint manager Peter Thorne praised the efforts of his young side who were unfortunate not to come away with a point. Having lost a number of senior players during the close season Thorne added the club is looking to strengthen in terms of experience to help the youthful team along with their development.