Helston Athletic manager Sid Taylor says his side’s shock defeat against St Ives in the quarter finals of the Charity Cup may end up working in their favour.

The Blues crashed out of the competition on penalties after being held to a draw by the Jolly’s Combination League high flyers over the course of 90 minutes.

And after neither side were capable of breaking the deadlock during extra time, the result was decided from the penalty spot, with Helston eventually losing 5-3.

“We were lucky to get the equaliser in normal time, if I’m honest,” said Taylor.

“It’s disappointing because when you look at who’s left in it, you’d have to say we were favourites to win that competition, but all credit to St Ives because they ran their socks off. On the day the better team won.”

But with Helston facing another quarter final - this time in the Cornwall Senior Cup - on Saturday, Taylor’s side have an immediate opportunity to put right what they got wrong at the Saltings.

“We’ve got another quarter final to think about now, and it’s important we get a win,” the Helston manager said.

“Not just because we lost on Saturday, but because it takes your mind off the league, you get a week off, and you can go and enjoy it.”

Until Saturday’s defeat, Helston were involved in three cup competitions, including the Throgmorton and Senior Cups.

And despite admitting that the division one west title remains his priority this season, Taylor is determined to bring silverware back to Kellaway Parc.

“We’re treating Saturday’s game like a final, no bones about it,” he said.

“We’ve worked hard to get here, and it’s the back end of the season now. This is the time when you win and lose  things you’ve spent from August to February working for. We don’t want to throw it all away.”

Prior to Saturday, the last time Helston tasted defeat was an embarassing 5-0 result away at Godolphin.

And Taylor hopes that his team can react in the same way, embarking on another run between now and the end of the season.

“You’ve got to lose some time,” he said, “but how we bounce back is what’s important.

“We’ve got to react in the right way, but it might end up being the kick up the bum that we needed.”