THERE was nothing to choose between these two sides when they met in the league, but at Gala Parc on Thursday evening Porthleven were clearly the better side in the first round of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula league's Throgmorton Cup.

Over the 90 minutes the Fishermen were by far the more dangerous side and much of that was down to their superior fitness. They mopped up most of the "second ball" possession when, perhaps, they were not even favourites to do so.

A foul by Chris Davey presented Port with an early chance in the seventh minute, but Andy Butcher saved well from Mark Hollands' well-struck free kick.

Porthleven played at a much higher tempo than Athletic, but the visitors had a rare glimpse on goal in the 11th minute when Matt Drummond blazed his shot high over the bar.

The home side took the lead in the 18th minute when Steve Brewer hit a crossfield diagonal ball to Kevin Lawrence. Lawrence's cross found Andy Westgarth and although Athletic blocked his efforts, the ball found its way back to Lawrence who scored from close range.

A poor ball out of defence enabled Matt Moore to gain possession and after making a determined run infield he fired in a shot that went just wide of the upright.

A superb run by Hollands and a one-two with Lawrence saw Athletic escape with a corner following a great spell of football.

A good 32nd minute shot from Steve Warr kept Steve Taylor on his toes, but the 'keeper was rather more fortunate a minute later when he completely missed Dean Harris' corner as the ball curled its way through defenders and just wide of the far post.

Two minutes before half time Porthleven tightened their grip on the game after Athletic made a mess of things in midfield. A long ball over the top sent Lawrence scampering away, pursued by Pete Davey, but a pass inside to Westgarth was inch perfect as he drilled the ball out of the reach of Butcher and into the net off the inside of the far post.

Athletic began the second half with more urgency and young Sam Eglinton, who had a good game for Athletic, hit a snap shot that went just wide of the upright.

Eglinton had another good effort minutes later, but after 13 minutes the visitors reduced the arrears when Drummond got up to outjump the home defence and guide Harris's free kick into the far corner of the goal.

Porthleven brought on veteran Nigel Thwaites in the 64th minute in place of Martin Day and five minutes later came one of the real talking points. Steve Brewer got clear of the Athletic defence, but as he arrowed in towards the box he was taken out by Butcher. The Port fans were baying for red, but the referee decided a yellow was sufficient.

Justice was probably done because apart from Brewer initially looking suspiciously offside, there also appeared to be another defender in a covering role.

Minutes later Port broke from deep following an Athletic attack with Davis screaming through the heart of the visiting defence and crucially, with a clear run on goal, was brought down by Pete Davey. However, nothing came from the free kick.

PORTHLEVEN 3 K Lawrence, A Westgarth (2) PENRYN ATHLETIC 1

M Drummond

Porthleven: S Taylor, M Hollands, M Day, B Medlin, S Rogers, J Burr, M Brewer, S Brewer, A Westgarth, M Davis, K Lawrence. Subs: C Strike, N Thwaites, H Howlett.

Athletic: A Butcher, A Trudgeon, D Band, C Davey, P Davey, D Harris, S Eglinton, S Warr, D Stidwell, M Drummond, M Moore. Subs: C James, E Van-Evelingen, D Rathbone, S Jewell, W Scoley.

Ten minutes from time Porthleven virtually sealed Athletic's fate with a third goal when Westgarth shrugged off the attention of Moore and gave Butcher no chance with his finish.

Athletic made a spirited attempt to put Port under late pressure, but with Jamie Burr leading the backline with an imposing assurance there was no way back for the visitors.

On Saturday Athletic visit Newquay, kick off 2.45 pm.