With the start of the new Carlsberg South West Peninsula League division one west season just two weeks away, Helston manager Sid Taylor is convinced Athletic can finish the season as champions and says his team “just can’t wait to get started”.


“Yes, I think we have a good chance of winning the league this year. A lot of people are talking about us winning it.

“Last season we had the pressure of being the new boys but this year we have a different sort of pressure with people expecting us to do well. We are just going to go out there and show everyone what we can do.”

The Blues, who finished as runners-up to Newquay in their first season in Peninsula League football, have been busy strengthening their team with Taylor describing the club’s signing of Jamie Thirkle from premier league side Penzance as a “massive signing for Helston.”

The winger, who has also played for Penryn is joined at Helston by Porthleven captain and former Falmouth player Chris Strike. Midfielder Jordan Adlard also returns to the club after spells with Porthleven and Penryn along with talented teenager Keegan McPhilbin.

With the league’s best strike force in Mark Goldsworthy and Liam Eddy, who scored more than 60 goals between them last term, Taylor says: “I’m pleased with what I’ve got here (at Helston).”

He said: “We have kept training throughout the summer and last week we drew 2-2 in a pre-season friendly with last season’s champions, Newquay.

“It was a good team performance from us. The fitness was good and we set the tempo of the game. We looked fitter and sharper than Newquay and they had a job to match us.”