RNAS Culdrose 2 Helston 3

RNAS Culdrose still lead the Jolly's Combination League after their defeat by Helston but their hopes of a possible title tilt were severely dented by this local derby reverse.

Just a point adrift with five games in hand, the outcome of the championship is very much in the hands of Goonhavern, who trounced second placed Falmouth Town 5-0.

Playing against a strong wind, Helston dominated the opening half but in the early stages were unable to make much impression on a solid home defence.

However, after 20 minutes the Blues took the lead when Mark Wood's cracking 25-yard free kick hit the bar before rebounding into the net off the back of goalkeeper Colin Brown.

Helston continued to create chances with Tony Morley heading Wood's far post cross into the sidenetting and Tom Russell, when well placed, losing control at a vital moment after running on to a pass from Craig Firth.

Just before half-time Helston's pressure got the reward it deserved when they snapped up a second goal following another excellently struck 30-yard free kick by Wood, which skipped hard and low across the ground and into the far corner of the net.

It was Helston's turn to find themselves under the cosh in the second half and they survived an early scare when Chris Breasley cleared a goalbound effort off the line.

Full report in this week's issue