BODMIN TOWN 4

HELSTON ATHLETIC 3 (aet)

Bodmin Town are the Cornwall Senior Cup champions for the fourth succesive year after overcoming ten-man Helston Athletic in a seven goal thriller at Treyew Road.

A goal from Bodmin's standout player Lee Doel in the second period of extra time after Helston had battled back to make it 3-3 broke Blues fans' hearts, and made sure the cup returned to Priory Park.

But Helston can be proud of the way they played, after more than matching their all-conquering opponents in a game that will live long in the memory of the 823 spectators gathered on a mild night in Truro.

The Blues took the lead in the 18th minute when Liam Eddy linked up well with strike partner Mark Goldsworthy before rounding Kevin Miller and passing the ball into an empty net.

And Helston almost went two up minutes later when captain Jamie Thomson's free kick grazed the post with Bodmin keeper Miller rooted to the spot.

Gradully the holders played their way back into the game, but they were forced to wait until after half time before they drew level, Shane Krac hammering a low drive into the bottom corner of the net from Ollie Brokenshire's short free kick.

Helston had defender Kirk Davies sent off in controversial circumstance for a second bookable offence in the 66th minute, and ten minutes later Bodmin looked to have sealed the win when Adam Carter pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire in from close range.

But despite the odds being stacked against them Helston never gave up, and it was man of the match Eddy who drew them level with six minutes of normal time left to play.

James Miller, on as a second half substitute, threaded a through ball for the speedy striker, and his low drive flew into the far corner to send the game into extra time.

Sure enough, as Helston appeared to tire, Bodmin took the lead again when Brokenshire drilled in a low volley from the edge of the 18 yard box. 

The holders looked to be in complete control but Helston, always dangerous on the break, stunned Darren Gilbert's side when James Miller curled a sublime effort in from an acute angle that seemed destined to send the game to penalties.

But Doel had other ideas. With two minutes to go he scampered down the right wing before unleashing an unstoppable shot that flew past Jason Robertson to cap an astonishing night of football.

Helston: J Robertson, B Stidwell, C Strike (D Stidwell 79), J Thomson, K Davies, H Howlett, J Adlard, C Young (J Miller 79), L Eddy, M Goldsworthy (A Stidwell 71), T Russell. Subs (not used): N Thwaites, M Fox

Bodmin: K Miller, H Morgan (L Hodge 120), L Rundle, T Chambers, S Simmonds, O Brokenshire, N Slateford, S Krac, A Carter, C Luxton (L Doel 30), S Matthews (C Swiggs 98). Subs (not used): L Doddridge, L Reed