SID Taylor feels the pressure of winning the South West Pensinsula League West title got to Helston Athletic on Saturday – although promotion has been assured.

The Blues drew 2-2 at Holsworthy in a match which they went behind twice but bagged a point thanks to equalisers from James Miller and Charlie Young.

Had they earned all three points, the league title would have been theirs with a game to spare as St Dennis, who are two points behind Athletic, also drew 2-2 against Bude Town.

The result has guaranteed promotion to the SWPL Premier Division though as the Saints, the only team who can overtake the Blues in the table, failed their ground inspection while Kellaway Park passed, meaning Athletic would be offered the chance of going up if they come second.

On Friday, Helston travel to bottom club Perranporth for the final game of the season knowing a point will most likely be enough to win the title as their goal difference is 31 better than the Saints’.

Reflecting on the situation, Taylor believes nerves got the better of his side but is glad matters are still in their own hands.

Taylor said: “As a team I thought the pressure got to us a little bit.

“I didn’t think Holsworthy were a good side but we gave them an early start which was a bad way to begin the game and we also let them get back ahead after some terrible defending from us.

“But when you look at it overall, we only needed four points from our final two games to secure the title and we’ve got one of those now and we just need to pick up the three more we need on Friday.

“At the beginning of the season, if you had said to me you’ll be playing the bottom team on the last day with a chance to win the league, I would have taken that. But it was frustrating not to get over the line already.”

Miller’s goal for Athletic on Saturday was also the club’s 100th of the league campaign and with their goal difference being much better than St Dennis’, Taylor added it is an extra bonus for them going into the final game.

He added their approach for the clash with Perranporth will be no different to the rest of the season.

“Getting 100 goals is another great achievement for the club,” Taylor said.

“Having a goal difference that is double St Dennis’ is good because if things end level, then it acts as an extra point effectively.

“During the week I’m just going to get the guys to clear their heads and relax so they do not come out so tight on the pitch.

“But other than that, we will stick with what we know in terms of preparation and what we need is just a better performance out of the lads on Friday night.”