PROMOTION hopes for Helston Athletic were given a huge boost on Saturday as they upended fellow title chasers St Dennis.
There was just one goal in the highly anticipated South West Peninsula League West clash between the sides who started second and third at the beginning of the day.
Happily for Blues fans the strike came courtesy of top goalscorer Mark Goldsworthy as he tapped home in the 34th minute to increase his club’s unbeaten run in the competition to nine games.
Both sides have applied to the league’s board for promotion to the Premier Division in 2015/16 and with the likelihood only one team between them will go up, nerves were plentiful at Boscowan Park.
Everyone at the ground knew a win would give them a welcome edge in the battle for glory, while the losers would see their task have a sizeable hurdle put up.
In testing conditions, the football was not of the highest quality and chances were few and far between in the first half.
The match really came to life when a cross into the box from the left found Goldsworthy, pictured below, at the far post and the striker did not fluff his lines with the net at his mercy.
The Saints tried to up their tempo as they desperately looked for an equaliser but found away goalkeeper Jason Robertson in confident mood and form.
He best save came early into the second half as Carl Rickard hit a shot on target, only for Robertson to get a foot to it.
Sid Taylor’s side were asked several questions during the second half as the Saints kept tapping at the door, but the visiting defence matched the challenge put in front of them to see out the result.
League leader’s Sticker won 5-0 at home to Millbrook, so Athletic remain in second place just a point behind but have two games in hand.
Holsworthy are next up for Athletic, with the team travelling to Kellaway Park on Saturday.
HELSTON: Robertson, B Stidwell, T Santos, T Russell, A Stidwell (Miller 65), K Davies, Adlard, Young (c), Westgarth (Bell 77), Goldsworthy, H Santos (Thomson 50).
UNUSED SUB: Webster.
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