HELSTON ATHLETIC 2

ST JUST 1

YOU wait a while for a win to come along and then when it does you find that in the space of a few days you chalk up a second.

Such is life with Helston Football Club's Jolly's Combination League side that followed their 2-1 Boxing Day victory at Ludgvan with a similar scoreline against St Just.

With the strong winds blowing straight down the pitch it was the proverbial game of two halves although both sides had their moments when playing against the wind.

Despite playing against the elements in the first half, Helston settled down and played some neat football as they probed for an opening.

The break they were looking for came in the 18th minute when Tom Russell's cross into the box was not dealt with by the visiting defence and that allowed Aaron Collick to react quickly to strike the ball home.

The Blues had to withstand plenty of pressure as St Just hit back looking for an equaliser and although there were one or two goalmouth scrambles Helston kept their goal intact with goalkeeper Mark Thomas handling well.

Helston mounted a number of attacks, but fell victim to the visitors' offside trap.

Just before the break Aaron Collick broke into the box and was taken down by the goalkeeper. Referee Tim Reeks pointed to the penalty spot, but after consulting the assistant referee much to Helston's surprise altered his decision to a goalkick.

Helston had the lion's share of possession in the second half, but were unable to capitalise on their superiority with a lack of accuracy a prime factor.

The inevitable happened 20 minutes from time when Helston were punished for their missed chances when Alex Johnson scored with a glancing header from a corner.

The Blues still had enough about them to try and rescue the game, but they appeared to lose their rhythm after trying to up the tempo.

In the final minute of normal time Chris Strike's corner was met by Mark Wood who struck a tremendous shot into the net to give the goalkeeper no chance for the winner.

It sealed the three points for Helston and was just reward for their gritty performance.

Helston: M Thomas, E Dunn, C Strike, G Blake, A Sharkey, J Simpson, T Russell, P Black, D Bray, A Collick, R Pearson. Subs: M Hallibone, M Wood, L Eddy.