HELSTON Athletic boss Steve Massey has attributed his side's 3-1 derby defeat at Falmouth Town to "fine margins".

For much of the game at Bickland Park, the two sides were separated by a delightful free kick from David Broglino, before two goals in the last ten minutes from Jordan Annear left the Blues reeling.

"Falmouth are third or fourth in the league while we're mid-table and the difference is only fine margins," he said.

"I thought we had the better chances in the first half and Hughie Howlett would score his header in the second half 99 times out of a 100, but he slipped at the crucial moment."

Falmouth have scored a huge amount of goals towards the end of games this season and Saturday was no exception, but Massey waved away any suggestions that superior fitness played a part.

"It's nothing to do with that - credit to them, they are where I'd like us to be now - we're still trying to find ourselves and it's a question of confidence.

"They had that belief to make the important moments count."

He cited talented winger Dan Stidwell as an example. He was left on the bench on Saturday, but Massey said: "I believe he's potentially one of the best players in the league, but the problem is that he doesn't believe it. I want him to show how good he is every week."

Helston have the opportunity to quickly erase the derby disappointment with a home fixture due to be played last night against struggling Callington, before a trip to bottom four side Camelford on Saturday.

Jamie Thirkle (ankle) is an injury doubt for the visit to north Cornwall, while full back Steve Jenkin is also struggling with a hip problem.