For the second consecutive year Falmouth Town were defeated by Helston in the Dave Gardner Memorial Tournament.

Holders Helston started the match quickly at Kellaway Park on Saturday and dominated the early exchanges. They were rewarded when a Jamie Thomson corner was mis-read by the Falmouth defence and midfielder Charlie Young was on hand to flick the ball in at the near post to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time. The second half was a much more even affair with both teams playing some good football. Striker Mark Goldsworthy doubled Athletic’s lead before Paul Cox was brought down when one-on-one with Helston’s goalkeeper, Jason Robertson. His resultant penalty pulled a goal back for Falmouth.

Jamie Thirkle netted Helston’s third to secure the win for the hosts, as Town were beaten for the second time in a week.

Speaking to the Packet after the match Falmouth manager, Rob Stephens, said: “The result wasn’t the best for us. Two silly mistakes cost us but I can still take some positives from the defeat. “Helston knocked the ball around better than we did and retained the ball better, but I just think with a bit of work here and there, and a couple of more players in, we will be able to do that.

“Helston are an established side that have been together a number of years and you can see it when they play. We are not a million miles off that. I know where our weaknesses are, I know what we have got to do to get over that and things are in place to try and do that.” Stephens, however, was particularly pleased with the performance of new goalkeeper, Danny Burrows, and young defensive duo Jamie Webb and Joe Cooper. He said: “There are some young players in the side that have never played at this level and they will learn. Jamie Webb and Joe Cooper played together for the first time yesterday and I was delighted with them at the back.

“Our new goalkeeper is a big plus. I feel we have replaced Jason Chapman with a goalkeeper who is equal to him. If Danny Burrows lived further up the county he would be playing for one of the bigger sides, he is that good. I am delighted to have got him.”

Despite the defeat on Saturday, Stephens says there is no pressure on him or the team, and expresses that there is a positive mood within the camp: “It’s all looking positive for the start of the season. The morale in the dressing room is massive, so I’m not worried. Pre-season friendlies are all about learning.” “I know we have a tough start against Parkway – they are probably the favourites already – it is a massive ask for the first game, but if we could get something out of that it will be huge for us.

“Everyone is so used to seeing Falmouth up near the top but our remit for this season is to rebuild Falmouth Town and that’s what we are in the process of doing. We’ve got to do that within a budget and that’s not always so easy. “My aim for this season will be mid-table. We might be given a lesson or two by some of the good sides, but sometimes you need that so that you can move on.”

Now in its ninth year the memorial tournament is played in honour of defender Dave Gardner, who played for all four teams, died aged 36 in 2003.

Helston: J Robertson, B Stidwell, D Stidwell, J Thomson, H Howlett, A Stidwell, J Adlard, C Young, J Thirkle, M Goldsworthy, T Russell. Subs: K McPhilban, F Cadman, K Lawrence, J Wignall, A Collick Falmouth: D Burrows, J Greet, C Symons, T Whipp J Webb, J Cooper, Ed Timmins, R Pope, P Cox, M Vajello, D Friend. Subs: S Floyd, A Westgarth, C Edgson, M Gilbert, J Perrin, E Fearn.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday, July 31: Penzance v Falmouth Town (7.30pm); Saturday, August 3: Finals’ day at Helston: Falmouth Town v Porthleven (2pm); Helston v Penzance (5pm).