PAUL Murray believes his Wendron United side passed their test to show they are good enough to play in the South West Peninsula League West.

On Saturday the Jolly’s Combination League outfit pushed Helston Athletic, who sit in fourth place in the league above, all the way at Kellaway Park in the Cornwall Charity Cup first round.

They eventually succumbed with the Blues winning 4-3 after extra time, but Murray said he was happy with the pressure Dron put their opponents under.

He now feels they have shown they would be able to compete in the league, but added improvements still need to be made.

Murray said: “Overall I thought we passed the test with flying colours.

“However, we still have lessons to learn as to play in that league is you have to be switched and concentrating from the start.

“In that respect, I think that is where we lost the match and we were the architects of our own ruin by going 2-0 down early on.

“We’re not the finished article, but we are a good team and we showed it on Saturday.”

After the match ended 2-2, extra time was played and five minutes into the first period Dron’s goalkeeper John Row was sent off after bringing down Mark Goldsworthy in the box.

James Miller converted from the spot and despite Justin Searle making it 3-3, an own goal from defender James Rowberry saw the visitors crash out of the competition.

Dron’s boss said he thought the sending half was a bit harsh.

“It is obviously quite difficult to play with ten men,” Murray said.

“Up until that point we had the momentum and belief and the game had become like a heavyweight boxing match with both teams slugging it out at the end.

“I felt it was a bit rash to send John off because he was going for the ball and we had men behind him covering.”

A trip back to Kellaway Park is up next this weekend for Dron as they face Helston’s reserve side in the league.

Going into the match, Murray said he is a bit nervous.

He said: “It is going to be a slightly different proposition for us.

“The second team at Helston are a really good side as well with a good work ethic and they are quite physical.

“The league is our main priority this season so this match will be more important to us than the cup game and if we can beat them, we’ll be in a really good position.”