HELSTON 4 HOLMANS 1

AFTER the previous week's setback Helston Athletic bounced back to form in the Jolly's Combination League with an emphatic 4-1 win over Holmans.

With goalkeeper Ian Chatfield unavailable manager Andy Trathen drafted in reserve goalkeeper Gary Furneaux in his place and he gave a solid display.

Holmans enjoyed the early pressure, but never really looked like creating too much in front of goal. In fact, it was in the tenth minute after Neil Crook picked up a pass from Graham Blake and crossed into the box that a defender almost headed past his own goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, as Helston looked increasingly dangerous, Phil Black ran on to Aaron Collick's pass to drill a first-time shot just past the far post.

Holmans had their chances and it need a good save from Furneaux who dived at the feet of a forward to keep Helston's goal intact.

Craig Taylor was given an early introduction to the game in the 21st minute after defender Eddie Dunn pulled a muscle. Two minutes later the Blues were in front when John Simpson delivered the ball into the box for Reg Pearson score with a perfect chip shot over the 'keeper.

The game ebbed and flowed, but the visitors got back on level terms when Furneaux came out to clear Simpson's lengthy back pass only to hit the ball straight at an opponent and the ball rebounding back into the net.

The home side got over the setback and before half time Pearson went round the 'keeper but saw his shot cleared off the line and Dean Bray hammered in a well-struck shot that was deflected wide of the goal.

The Blues' injury problems mounted when Black had to be replaced by Tom Russell, but it had no effect on the patterm of the game as the Blues pushed forward but were unable to turn possession into chances.

Pearson had another effort cleared off the line in the 60th minute, but ten minutes later Helston regained the lead when Pearson picked up a pass from Taylor and hit a perfect cross for Crook to volley into the net in fine style.

The Blues had a number of chances to extend their lead with Collick beating the 'keeper but seeing his shot go the wrong side of the post and then after beating the offside trap shooting at the 'keeper.

Five minutes from time they got the goal their play deserved when after swarming all over the visitors, Crook released Chris Strike who cut inside whilst beating two defenders. The goalkeeper parried his shot, but Pearson was on hand to knock in the rebound.

A minute later it was all over when a long ball over the top left the defence in a tangle and Collick with the simple task of lobbing the ball into an empty net.

Holmans finished a well-beaten side, but can have few complaints after a solid performance by the home side.

Helston: G Furneaux, E Dunn, C Strike, G Blake, A Sharkey, J Simpson, N Crook, P Black, D Bray, A Collick, R Pearson. Subs: C Taylor, R Wilkinson, G Nicholls.