No holding the Blues

THERE'S no halting the Blue machine at Kellaway Park as it motors along quite nicely picking up points in the Jolly's Combination League.

This was not one of their more complete performances, but over 90 minutes they will consider it a job well done to maintain their lead at the top.

Helston included new signing Justin Miles from Truro City, but it was at the other end of the pitch where all the early action took place as the home side applied early pressure.

A goal was on the cards and it duly arrived in the seventh minute when Steve Hawke cut inside and hit a powerful shot that the 'keeper managed to push away. The cross came back for Dominic Pullen to get in a header which again the 'keeper managed to parry but on this occasion the ball dropped to the feet of Hawke who despatched it into the back of the net.

Helston had the upper hand in the early stages and good movement set up a second goal for the Blues when Tom Russell got into the box where he was brought down for a clear penalty. Pullen made no mistake with the spotkick.

Having got themselves into pole position early in the game, Helston were unable to make their presence count against a visiting side that worked hard throughout.

When they resorted to long balls over the top it caused the Blues problems and with a little more accuracy could easily have pulled a goal back. Indeed, it needed a fine save from Barry Hennessey to keep the Peppermints at bay as they pushed to get back into the game just before the break.

Helston appeared to be a little more hungry in the second half as they began to look dangerous and create more chances.

Tom Russell was put through but had his shot saved by the 'keeper and Bryn Wheeler lobbed the 'keeper but saw his shot bounce agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

Newquay, to their credit, refused to buckle and enjoyed some good possession. They forced several corners, but came to nothing with new signing Justin Miles a steadying influence.

With seven minutes remaining Helston wrapped up their eighth win of the season when Pullen tried to play a ball in to Wheeler. A defender easily won possession, but his knock back to the 'keeper went through his hands and into the net for an own goal.

With time running out Helston put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal when a good through ball found Russell who released Wheeler to run through and drill the ball past the goalkeeper.

The result left manager Symon Winnan a relatively happy man: "We didn't play our best today against a very physical and robust Newquay side who had some regulars missing, but so did we. We did, however, have a new signing in Justin Miles from Truro. A quality player who was, in my opinion, outstanding on Saturday as were the whole team but his presence is going to be immense in our campaign!

"It was not a pretty game played on a very hard pitch in hot conditions, but we battled really hard and ran out 4-0 winners. What we have to realise now is that at the moment we are there to be shot at - everyone wants to do us. We have to just keep going and grind out results when we have to. We are going to try and play football when we can but we are more than equipped for a battle when it arrives.

"I was told in the club after the game that eight from eight is the best start Helston have ever had. If that's true then well done to all the players, the credit goes to them. They're the ones getting the results.

"I am now back in training myself after my groin injury. Need to get fit and lose a few pounds, but will hopefully I will be able to push young Barry Hennesey a little bit."

On Saturday Helston visit St Day, kick off 3 pm.

Helston: B Hennessey, A Sharkey, R Wilkinson, J Miles, G Blake, T Russell, P Black, D Cillia, S Hawke, B Wheeler, D Pullen. Subs: T Randall, C Taylor, A Collick.