Helston Athletic 'well under performed' in their first season in the Toolstation Western League according to Manager Steve Massey.

The campaign had its fair share of emotions for Helston players, staff and fans alike who were at one point were challenging at the top of the table after losing just one of their first 18 league matches.

However, losses of key players, and a forgetful winter period saw the Blues fall out of contention for the top four. Despite signings across the back line in the months that followed Helston failed to rekindle the hot form of their early season performances.

Reflecting on whether he thought the season was a success the Manager said: "No, absolutely not, we were way off it. We let ourselves down as individuals, as management, as a club in the last three months of the season. You can have a whinge and a moan about many circumstances we couldn't control.

"But I'd like to think with the experience and ability we should adapt and we nowhere near filled out our potential. We showed what we could do we only lost once in 17 games up until Christmas. We well under performed. You can split the season into two.

"If you asked me at Christmas when we were flying I'd have rated it nine out of ten. Christmas to the end of the season, four out of ten. It wasn't good. Our discipline wasn't good. Things went against us. We had mitigating circumstances that happened, losing Tucks (Billy Tucker) and Turns (Ryan Turner) was a blow. There were plenty of round pegs in round holes at Christmas time, we were great. There were far too many square pegs in round holes onwards."

Despite their mid table finish there were some highlights from the season, with Massey eluding to Stu Bowkers 30 yard match winner against Ashton and Backwell at home and two away wins at Tavistock as moments to remember from the 21/22 season.

But heading into the the next campaign, there is an area of the pitch that Massey believes he needs to strengthen in. "Goalscorers, forwards." The Manager stated. "If there is a forward who considers themselves good enough for the level and he is quick, brave, has a good touch and plenty of energy then give me a call! Those are the forwards I want. The defenders in this league are good and will keep you in a title race. Forwards will go and win games for you. I consider that I have some of the best defensive players in the league here."

The 2022/23 season could be the last season that the Western League is played at it's current structure with the FA discussing plans to localise the leagues to reduce travel constraints on clubs.

The Western League will have two more Cornish outfits in it next season with Torpoint Athletic and local rivals Falmouth Town gaining promotion after winning the East and West divisions of the South West Peninsula League.

Massey admitted he was relishing the prospect of the rivalry between Helston and Falmouth resuming, he said: "I am really looking forward to it. Welcome to the big boys league now. They've had it all their own way in that league, I think with the four teams that went out last year it weakened that league. Yeah bring it on."

Plans are already in place for pre-season though with Massey confirming that his Helston side will play a friendly against a side at Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth's facilities in mid July.