PENZANCE 3 HELSTON 4

THE dramatic turn around in form for Helston continued at Penlee Park where they defeated Penzance 4-3 in a thoroughly entertaining Jolly's Combination League clash.

The reward for another determined performance was the three points that made it nine from nine and a place in the top half of the table. It has been the best possible start under the managerial duo of Andy Trathen and Graham Blake who will now target the highest place possible in a bid to reach the South West Peninsula League set up.

Helston began the brighter of the two sides, but Penzance always looked dangerous on the break with Christian Lett a constant threat and it was the Magpies who took the lead in the 15th minute.

A through ball was knocked into the box, but Mark Thomas, after coming out to gather the ball, let it slip from his grasp to present Gavin Edwards with the simple task of knocking the ball into an empty net.

The goal unsettled the Blues as Penzance, for a time, seized the initiative and another poor clearance by Thomas almost led to another goal with the ball rolling just wide of the post from Lett's effort.

Playing some, good probing football, Helston deservedly equalised after 38 minutes when following a series of corners by Chris Strike, Penzance failed to clear the ball and Eddie Dunn pounced to thump a fierce shot into the back of the net.

Boosted by the goal, Helston finished the half on top and with the game well into injury time Aaron Collick picked up a pass from John Simpson and cracked a great shot from 20 yards past Craig Nicholls.

The Magpies made a determined push to get back into the game in the second half, but in the 55th minute Helston increased their lead when a ball into the box from Strike found Reg Pearson who scored with a clinical finish into the corner of the net.

With Dunn sustaining a back injury, Mark Wood was introduced into the game and from one of his first crosses Pearson saw his header go just inches wide of the upright.

With Helston in control Penzance hit back to reduce the deficit when a deep cross to the far post by Shane Rowe was met by Liam Devine who headed into the top corner of the net.

Helston regained the initiative with a fourth goal following a good move that saw Pearson get in front of a defender and the goalkeeper to steer the ball into the net.

With five minutes to go Penzance ensured there would be a nervous finale after they snapped up a third goal when Laim Bennetts' cross to the near post was volleyed in by Mark George.

Twice in the dying minutes Penzance had players booked for trying to haul down Pearson who would have had a clear run on goal, but it mattered not as Helston held on for a third consecutive victory.

This Saturday Helston are home to title chasing Mousehole.

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