SOUTHGATE finally recorded the victory 'that pretty much puts them safe from relegation' with a great performance at home to Torpoint, writes Ed Horn.

Southgate started brightly knowing their opponents were hungry for their first league victory and the blues soon found themselves creating chances and exploiting the space in wide areas.

It was Connor Burtonwood who got the goal that turned out to be the winner after Jake Collings and Ryan Cook battled well to put him clear for a coolly placed finish inside the far post.

The scoreline actually turned out to be very flattering to Torpoint with Southgate creating several chances in both halves with Josh McCabe narrowly missing from a free kick, Nathan Godby denied by a last gasp tackle and Ryan Cook testing the defence on several occasions.

Indeed the reason why the lead wasn't increased was due to the solo efforts of the Torpoint centre back and man of the match who kept Ryan Cook marked tightly and broke up wave after wave of Southgate breakaways.

It was a good defensive display for Southgate as well with Josh Smith, Darryl Ede, Kris Jasper and Sam Wooldridge keeping Tom Coles goal quiet for the day. However, Tom Coles concentration was tested late on with a tricky strike from range which bounced awkwardly only to be saved well by Tom and cleared to safety.

A good result and excellent performance from the boys who can now enjoy the rest of the season without the threat of relegation looming.

Southgate: Tom Coles, Darryl Ede, Josh Smith, Sam Wooldridge, Kris Jasper, Connor Burtonwood, Josh Nancarrow, Jake Collings, Josh McCabe, Ryan Cook, Nathan Godby and Todd Brumwell.