CHARLESTOWN u16 0

HELSTON ATHLETIC u16 3

HAVING beaten this side so convincingly the previous weekend, Helston found them to be altogether different opposition in this U16 Alliance Cup final played at Hayle.

From the early exchanges it was evident that Charlestown were up for the game as they showed a greater desire than Helston.

Goalkeeper Richard Pennington kept Helston in the game in the first ten minutes, making three excellent saves to deny Charlestown an opening goal. A further goalmouth melee saw the ball hit the post before being hacked clear by captain Dan Rowe.

After 20 minutes Helston brought on Sam Naylor for Liam Eddy who was struggling with an injury and whilst not playing well Helston began to settle down and Ross Badcock, Mark Goldsworthy and Naylor all had shots on goal.

On the stroke of half time Helston were awarded a free kick and Ryan Holland saw his shot beat the 'keeper at his near post to give Helston an undeserved 1-0 lead at the interval.

Clearly having heeded the words said at half time Helston started the second half with more purpose and started to play their usual game.

After 15 minutes Keith Jacka, who had replaced Holland, set off on a run down the right. His pass found Naylor who lashed the ball into the roof of the net for Helston's second goal. Four minutes later Naylor saw his shot at an unguarded net handled by a defender in the area and Goldsworthy stepped up to slot home the penalty.

Charlestown still looked dangerous on the break and created chances but were let down by poor finishing.

With a three goal cushion Helston should have increased their lead, but failed to convert good chances.

On the day Charlestown gave a spirited display and if their finishing had been better there could have been a very different scoreline.

Helston now lplay their final game of the season, the CCFA U16 Luke cup final at St Blazey next Sunday.

Man of the match: Angus Howlett.

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