Helston Athletic 4, Porthleven 2

Helston Athletic produced a stunning comeback to defeat Porthleven in their 2018 Dave Gardner Memorial Tournament opener at Kellaway Park on Saturday.

The best chance of the first half-hour came from Helston’s Ryan Beattie, who headed Kyle Marks’ corner over from six yards.

Port led 2-0 through Kyle Fraser and Ben Beesley, but the Blues scored four goals in 12 second-half minutes to turn the match around.

The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes when Fraser worked his way through the box and slid a shot past Wyatt from ten yards.

Beesley doubled his side’s advantage five minutes into the second half when he headed Rob Carey’s cross past Helston’s Barrie Wyatt.

Substitute Alex Wharton pulled one back for the hosts on 69 minutes after getting on the end of Greet’s attempted clearance and slotting past Porthleven keeper Jason Robertson.

Phil Cattran equalised for the Blues three minutes later, before Marks scored from the edge of the box to put the hosts ahead on 75 minutes.

Helston finished their sensational 12-minute spell with a penalty after Al Williams was brought down. Kirk Davies stepped up and sent Robertson the wrong way.

Helston almost made it five but were denied by the post, with Robertson able to pounce on the loose ball before Marks could hammer it home.

Kai Cornish then squandered another chance for a fifth when he put his one-on-one with Robertson into the keeper’s legs.

Helston: B Wyatt, K Davies, G Roberts, R Beattie, H Howlett, P Cattran, K Marks, L Roberts, K Cornish, J Thirkle, L Tonkin. Subs: A Wharton, T Cooke, T Oliver, L Tripconey, S Thomas, A Williams.

Porthleven: J Robertson, D Greet, J Sims, C Wormington, J Adlard, H Dark, G Molcher, B Beesley, R Carey, M Fox, K Fraser. Subs: D Hindmarch, J Reynolds, D Davey, H Fuller.

  • Porthleven host Penzance on Tuesday night before Helston visit Falmouth Town on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm for both games).