A STUTTERING performance from Helston Athletic still proved to be enough for them to defeat an impressive Wendron United in the Cornwall Charity Cup.

The Blues had to go through extra time to see off their local rivals 4-3 in what was an entertaining match for the spectators, especially as the Jolly's Combination League side came close to claiming a South West Peninsula league West scalp.

An own goal from James Rowberry just before the midway point of extra time finally put the game to bed, but many people left the ground feeling Dron, who were down to ten men, deserved a little more from a match which was intriguing to view.

It seemed like Athletic would cruise to victory as they went 2-0 up in 13 minutes thanks to a Kirk Davies strike which hit a divet and jumped over John Row in goal before Mark Goldsworthy slotted home a penalty.

But the side based in a lower league did not wither and in the 20th minute Jason Roberts shook off Hugh Howlett and fired the ball past James Wignall.

In the second half Dron dominated but could not equalise until the 76th minute when   Roberts grabbed another goal after Wignall had spilled Justin Searle's low ball into the box.

Extra time came and started disastoursly for Dron as Row was sent off after upending Goldsworthy in the penalty area, with James Miller firing home from the spot with substitute Ryan Tresidder in goal.

The visitors were not deterred by this and Searle made it 3-3 two minutes later as he poked the ball in after a goal mouth scramble.

Despite their poor game, which saw them throw away possession on too many occasions, Athletic were able to flex their muscles once more and secured the win in the 104th minute when Jowan Shainberg saw his left wing cross headed in Rowberry as he tried to put it out for a corner.