Helston Ath 1, Team Solent 2

ONE of football’s enduring qualities is just how quickly fortunes can change.

Helston were outplayed and out-thought in the first half of this FA Vase match, in which keeper Barrie Wyatt flung himself in all directions to restrict the vibrant visitors to a solitary goal.

In truth, it could have been five, but in the second half the home side showed the type of determination and character which has underpinned the club’s rise to prominence in recent years.

Despite suffering a further setback when they conceded an early second half goal, they finally stirred into life to set up a nail-biting final half an hour in front of a large crowd, who were witnessing Vase football at Kellaway Parc for the first time in the club's 120-year history.

Team Solent are a collection of university students, some of which have flirted with clubs such as Tottenham and Coventry City.

Their movement on and off the ball was exceptional and it left Helston’s outfield players with spinning heads, while Wyatt was busy spinning plates.

Silvano Obeng’s fierce shot on the turn had Wyatt leaping to his left after only five minutes, before dazzling work by captain Jess Waller-Lassen carved out a chance for Tyrell Mitford, who hammered the ball against the crossbar.

Wyatt then parried away another Obeng effort before Kyle Marks was booked after a petty squabble with Ryan Dacres-Smith.

Tori Adekunle then fired goalwards only to be repelled by Wyatt again, but Team Solent’s dominance was rewarded after 33 minutes.

More good work by Waller-Lassen set up Milford again. His rocket shot hit the bar again, but this time bounced down well over the line.

Waller-Lassen and Mitford were running riot now and a smart one-two gave Milford another sight of goal, but he chose to cross rather than shoot and the ball went harmlessly out for a corner.

Helston hopes of a fast start to the second half were scuppered on 51 minutes, when Waller-Lassen found acres of space on the right, dashed into the penalty area and squared for Milford to convert the simplest of tap-ins.

There was a suggestion of offside, but the goal stood.

Sid Taylor made a double substitution five minutes later, introducing Mattie Buchan and Luke Tripconey, which gave the hosts fresh impetus.

First though, Wyatt had to keep out a Waller-Lassen free kick after Obeng had been fouled on the edge of the area.

Buchan set up a thrilling final 25 minutes when Matt Drummond’s deft flick found him in the inside left channel and he drove the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

Kirk Davies made a marauding run and a clever back heel gave Drummond space in the penalty area, but his cross was cleared for a corner.

Team Solent began to weather the 20-minute storm and new signing Joel Allen, who had replaced Ben Stidwell, made a tremendous last-ditch tackle to deny Obeng a certain goal.

Following six minutes of inexplicable stoppage time, the final whistle blew and for all their second half endeavour, Helston could have no complaints with the result.

Helston: B Wyatt, N Taylor, K Davies, J Thomson, H Howlett, B Stidwell (J Allen 61m), J Adlard (M Buchan 58m), J McCardie, M Drummond, K Marks (L Tripconey 58m), T Russell. Sub not used: B Beesley.