St Austell 1 Buckland Athletic 3

St Austell celebrated the first floodlit fixture at Poltair Park on Friday evening by attracting a record-breaking crowd of 556 - but champions Buckland were too bright for them on the pitch as they powered to an impressive victory.

On a heavy pitch, there was nothing to choose between the sides in the opening exchanges but Buckland broke the deadlock after 30 minutes when player-manager Anthony Lynch fired low across St Austell's player-manager, goalkeeper Garry Penhalgion into the net.

Buckland looked set to double their lead five minutes later when Simon Revell was clear in the penalty area but his fiercely struck left foot shot from 15 yards was brilliantly kept out by the legs of Penhaligon.

St Austell started the second half in a more positive way and deservedly equalised after 57 minutes. Ben Douglas's short corner from the right found Dan Lean and his cross to the far side of the penalty area was met by Will Tinsley, who smashed the ball past Kenny Griffiths to make it 1-1.

The goal brought Buckland back to life and they were back in front nine minutes later with another excellent close range finish by Lynch, who riled the home supporters by celebrating extravagantly in front of them.

But Buckland were now in their element and when substitute Gavin Hammond made it 3-1 in the 70th minute, the game was all but over for the home side.

The crowd of 556 was the biggest premier division attendance since the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League was formed five years ago, beating the 494 who watched Buckland v Witheridge.