Falmouth Town 2, Helston Athletic 0

FALMOUTH TOWN beat local rivals Helston Athletic 2-0 in the Walter C Parson Cup at Bickland Park on Friday night to set up a second round clash with St Austell, writes Matt Friday.

Marcello Jones and Harry Clarke scored in either half, while Jones also had a second half penalty saved as Falmouth extended their winning run to six matches.

Helston missed an excellent chance to take the lead inside eight minutes when Phil Cattran blazed a volley over Ryan Barnes’ bar from six yards.

The miss would come back to haunt the visitors as Falmouth took the lead four minutes later when Ollie Moody’s low cross fell to Jones who calmly stroked the ball past Barrie Wyatt.

Buoyed by that goal, Falmouth dominated the remainder of the half and threatened to extend their lead. Joe Cooper’s goalbound effort was blocked and Luke Brabyn fired over from close range.

Whatever was said in Helston’s dressing room at half-time appeared to work as Charlie Young missed two chances before Barnes saved from Dan Stidwell within minutes of the restart.

But just as Helston were building up a head of steam, Falmouth doubled their lead. Brabyn’s surging run found Jones whose shot was saved, but Clarke slotted in the rebound.

It should have been three shortly after when Jones bore down on goal, but he placed his shot over the crossbar, while Young forced another save out of Barnes at the other end.

Falmouth had the chance to wrap up the game from the spot when Jones was brought down in the box. Jones stepped up but Helston keeper Barrie Wyatt saved the kick.

Helston tried to rescue the tie but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Barnes sliced his clearance and the ball fell to Matt Buchan, but he couldn’t get his shot on target.

Falmouth: R Barnes, D Blizzard (J Ward 24), O Moody, T Annear, J Cooper (c), R Martt, L Brabyn, J Webber, M Jones, D Broglino (O Walker 55), H Clarke (A Westgarth 70).

Helston: B Wyatt, M Buchan, S Beattie, J Thomson, H Howlett (c), C Young, K Marks, K McPhilbin (K Cornish 74), D Stidwell (M Hallibone 74), P Cattran, J Thirkle.

Packet Pick: Luke Brabyn – Had another fine game on the right wing, with the Helston defence unable to deal with his pace and skill all night.

Falmouth return to league action on Saturday when they host Plymouth Argyle Reserves.