CALLINGTON COLTS U16 1 HELSTON ATHLETIC U16 2

HELSTON travelled to Callington on Sunday to play the CCFA A H Luke Trophy U16 knockout cup quarter final and reached the semi-finals after a narrow victory.

Helston had only 11 players available, including Dave Proud, who was making his first appearance after a long period out with a injury.

Callington started strongly and took the lead halfway through the first half. From a corner Helston failed to challenge for an aerial ball and a Callington defender headed home.

Helston drew level as Mitchell Stevens scored direct from a corner. Liam Eddy was proving a handful for the Callington defence. He was unlucky with a snap shot, and had an appeal for a penalty turned aside. David Bevington was again driving forward from midfield, and had two shots on goal within minutes, the first being safely gathered by the Callington 'keeper and the second, which the 'keeper was grateful to see fly just wide of his post.

With the game finely balanced, the second half saw Callington pushing forward, and within ten minutes they were awarded a penalty as Gavin Perraton was penalised for a foul, but the spotkick was firedshot over the crossbar. This saw renewed pressure from Callington, but Helston kept them at bay.

Within eight minutes, Helston were awarded a penalty as Eddy was clearly brought down in the area. Stevens saw his kick tipped onto a post by the keeper, but he maintained his composure to score from the rebound.

With time running out, Callington pushed for an equaliser, but found Pennington and the Helston defence in no mood to relinquish their lead.

In a tight game Helston deserved their win, and the whole squad contributed to an excellent team performance. They can now look forward to the semi-final on February 25 when they entertain Polkerris.

Helston Athletic U16: Richard Pennington, Gavin Perraton, Neil Rollinson, Dan Rowe, David Proud, Keith Jacka, Mitchell Stevens, Iestyn Head, David Bevington, Mark Goldsworthy and Liam Eddy.