From the gaffer.

Altarnun 3 - 0 Torpoint

Lineup: WestallM, Quintrell, WhiteS, WhiteJ, Hussey, Robbins, Cotter, Rowe, Blair, WestallC, Easterbrook.

Subs: Payn, Northcott, Carter, Brayson.

A lacklustre and disappointing display, to say the least.

8Ws from 8 games vs 8Ws in a row in a top of the table clash should have been a tight affair. But Altarnun dominated the game in a performance where they scored 3 goals in the last 10min of the first half ensuring the 3 points stayed with the home side.

The opening half an hour was fairly uneventful, with both teams slow out of the blocks. But it was Altarnun who were on the front foot, with Smith getting willing runners up with him and the right winger being allowed time and space numerous times to cross the ball. Any Torpoint possession was poor and severely lacking in our usual quality. Overhit long balls, passes wide of an isolated WestallC and Easterbrook was doubled up on almost every time by a hard working and stubborn Altarnun defence. This game included, they have only conceded 4 in 9 games and throughout the game you could see why. To a man they outworked us all over the park and were relentless in their defensive work. The 2 centre halves didn't give WestallC a sniff and our midfield were rarely in time and space to put any passes together.

After 35mins, top scorer Smith worked his way to a crossing position on the right and produced a good ball hung up to the back post where it was met by a good volley by Hancock to open the scoring. Not satisfied Altarnun scored a 2nd only minutes later. A free kick in their own half was lumped into the box and we simply didn't deal with it. Altarnun were strong aerially all game and the ball was looped over keeper WestallM again by Hancock for his 2nd. Torpoint tried to rally but mins before the HT whistle, what I saw as good defending by WhiteS resulted in a free kick 25yds out in a good position to the left. A superb free kick by Bailey smashed into the top corner hitting the underside of the bar as it went in for a resounding 3-0 HT lead. WestallM did get a slight hand to it but it was struck too well for the unfortunate keeper to keep it out.

HT was a rallying call. A disappointed and frustrated dressing room asked for a significant change. We lacked quality all over and only Quintrell was keeping his opposite number at bay. WestallM could do nothing about either goal but had no other save of note to make. But we produced nothing ourselves and deserved the deficit.

The 2nd half petered out and Altarnun continued to show a robustness and resilience to win their battles and retake the top spot. I'd not question them if they wondered how we'd won 8 in a row based on this performance alone. Difficult to admit but I doubt any of us would say it wasn't the truth. A sour note and sour grapes from myself with an Altarnun sub trash talking 3 of my lads from their dugout. Lacked class and respect and not something I'd tolerate.

A welcome break of 3 weeks without a game for us now, before we face Altarnun again at The Mill in December for the reverse fixture. By that time I expect they'll have opened a gap at the top with their games in hand and the likes of Gunni and St Minver to leapfrog us too. We do have Cawsand away booked in for a team bonding session which I hope is well timed to rebuild some squad morale. A crushing blow yesterday, but not one that will change my faith in this young squad. Taught a lesson by a good side that has been together for years, one used to winning, and hopefully one we can emulate.

Another game with a good official. Allen is experienced and well like by all I imagine. A nice bloke and it's good to see he's fit again after an achilles injury.