HELSTON ATHLETIC U16 2 POLKERRI U16 1 (aet) Helston welcomed Polkerris to Kellaway Parc on Sunday in the Cornwall County FA A. H. Luke Trophy U16 knock out cup semi final.

The conditions of a strong wind and a sticky pitch were going to make the going tough for both sides, but both sides showed great grit and determination and fought to the final whistle.

In the first period Helston had the wind advantage and not surprisingly took the game to Polkerris.

Despite their dominance they were unable to create little in front of goal whilst their opponents, Polkerris, were looking dangerous on the break and were unlucky when a long-range shot glanced off the post.

Polkerris also had a good claim for a penalty, but the referee adjudged the player to have dived.

With half time approaching Polkerris took the lead. A free kick was cleared by the Helston defenders but the ball fell to a Polkerris player who shot home.

In the second half Helston seemed to find it easier playing against the wind and were unlucky not to equalise when Ryan Holland received the ball in the area and saw his shot well saved by the Polkerris 'keeper.

Midway through the half Helston drew level, Liam Eddy despatching a terrific shot from the edge of the area into the top corner of the net.

Polkerris were still very much in the game and after hitting the bar with one effort forced a number of saves out of Helston 'keeper, Richard Pennington.

With the scores level after a competitive 80 minutes, the game went into extra time.

Helston crucially got their noses in front for the first time in the first period with Mitchell Stevens' long range free kick flying over the head of the Polkerris 'keeper.

This provoked an all out effort from Polkerris for the remainder of extra time as they put the home side under pressure in their bid to grab an equaliser.

Helston had their share of scares, not least in the final minute when a claim for a penalty by Polkerris was turned aside.

Helston, however, managed to survive the onslaught and defended their lead and completed the win that takes them to the final.

In a tight game Helston rode their luck, but the whole squad contributed to a team performance which brought victory on the day.

They can now look forward to the final, date and venue to be finalised, when they meet Bude, 6-1 victors over Torpoint.

Helston Athletic U16 squad: Richard Pennington, Ross Badcock, Gavin Perraton, Neil Rollinson, Dan Rowe, Mitchell Stevens, David Bevington, Angus Howlett, Sam Pascoe, Mark Goldsworthy, Liam Eddy, David Proud, Keith Jacka, Iestyn Head and Ryan Holland.