Callum Martindale's late goal saw Helston Athletic narrow the top of the table gap to a solitary point as they secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over league leaders Clevedon Town.

In an intense Toolstation Western League clash, goals from Tom Payne and Martindale for the visitors Helston were enough to overcome Freddie King's score for Clevedon and return home from Hand Stadium with three points.

Clevedon were faster out the blocks, as Joe Teall's shot forced a save out of goalkeeper Kyle Moore.

Despite the early pressure, Helston broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Tom Payne, who skillfully lobbed the ball over goalkeeper James Dunn after being set up by Steve Colwell.

Falmouth Packet: Helston players celebrated euphorically after Callum Martindale's crucial strike in the dying

Clevedon responded swiftly after the half-time break, as captain Syd Camper's long throw reached Sam Beresford in the box, who laid it back to King to net an equalizer in the 48th minute.

However, the game's dynamic shifted in the 66th minute when Clevedon was reduced to ten men.

The home side gave the ball away in midfield and as Helston made a break for goal, skipper Camper commited a foul. As the last man he was shown a straight red card.

Helston had a chance for a second at 77 minutes, when Curtis Damerell was played through for a shot on goal, prompting a save from Clevedon goalkeeper James Dunn. The follow up shot was then deflected for a corner, which ultimately came to nothing.

There was a run of late substitutions, starting in the 79th minute when Ethan Crossley and Harlee Vozza came on replace Sol Kent and Joe Teall for Clevedon.

This was followed by two further substitutions in the 83rd minute, with Jordan Copp coming off for Helston, replaced by Kai Cornish, while Owen Punselie replaced Sam Beresford for Clevedon.

Cornish made his mark almost immediately, when his cross saw Dunn having to pull off another good save, Elliot Nicholson clearing the ball off the line.

A double substitution at the 85-minute mark saw Curtis Damerell and Tom Payne come off, with Jamie Simmonds and Aaron Bentley replacing them for Helston.

Two minutes late, Alex Camm and Brad Probert replaced Kieran Ireland and Henry Westlake for Clevedon.

After laying on the pressure for the final half hour, Helston finally got their hard-earned lead in the 94th minute, as Martindale reacted quickest to a scramble in the box, dramatically forcing the ball home, and securing a tick in the win column.

The victory undeniably gives Helston the advantage as the fixture list gets thinner, not only earning them bragging rights over table toppers Clevedon, but also reducing the gap to just one point with a crucial game in hand.