BUDE TOWN u16 2

HELSTON ATHLETIC u16 2

(aet)

Helston won 4-3 on penalties

HELSTON travelled to St Blazey on Sunday and completed the treble by adding the CCFA U16 Luke Cup to the Kernow League championship and League Cup. It proved to be the culmination of an outstanding season in which they have remained unbeaten in all competitions.

It was evident from the early exchanges that the two sides were closely matched. Both teams had had efforts on goal, but it was Helston who took the lead after eight minutes. Good build up play by Ryan Holland and Liam Eddy resulted in the ball falling to Mark Goldsworthy who scored with a clinical finish.

Bude were looking dangerous on the break and the Helston defenders were having to work hard to contain their pacey attacks, but they equalised from a penalty minutes before half time.

A forward broke into the box and appeared to go down with minimal contact. To everyone's surprise the referee pointed to the spot and with the penalty converted the 1-1 score at half-time left the game evenly balanced with both sides having everything to play for in the second period.

The game continued with end-to-end football as both sides looked to gain the advantage. Pennington was soon called into action, making a fantastic save at the base of his post from a Bude shot.

Midway through the half Bude took the lead when their centre forward outpaced the Helston defence and coolly shot past Pennington.

In response Helston pushed forward and were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes later, Goldsworthy picking up a loose ball in the area and shooting home for his second goal.

As time was running out Pennington made another great save, denying the onrushing Bude striker.

With the score all square at full time the game went into extra time.

Whilst there were no further goals, the Helston player's fitness saw them begin to dominate but they were unable to find the goal that would settle the final.

With the game still level after extra time the game had to be decided on penalties, Helston running out 4-3 winners with Mitchell Stevens, Goldsworthy, David Bevington and Ross Badcock all scoring and Pennington making two outstanding saves to deny Bude.

In a tight, hard fought game Helston deserved their win and the whole squad contributed to an excellent team performance which maintained their unbeaten record and secured their third trophy.

The players and managers, Steve Ford and Martyn Pennington would like to thank kit sponsor, Nigel Thurley, and all the families and friends for their support throughout the season.

Helston Athletic u16 squad: Richard Pennington, Gavin Perraton, Neil Rollinson, Dan Rowe, David Proud, Sam Naylor, Keith Jacka, Mitchell Stevens, Iestyn Head, David Bevington, Angus Howlett, Mark Goldsworthy, Liam Eddy, Ross Badcock and Ryan Holland.