Helston Athletic full back Reece Shanley has left the Kellaway Park outfit to join Plymouth Parkway.

Shanley, who spent the majority of his time at Helston playing at right back, has joined Matt Cusack's former side ahead of their Southern League season which kicks off on Saturday, August 6 with a home tie at Bolitho Park against Chesham Town.

Despite his absence it seems Athletic do have plenty of cover for his position with a number of players already in the squad capable of fulfilling the position.

Fred Walter would seem the most obvious choice, the 19-year-old signed from neighbours Wendron United this summer and was a regular in Dron's Peninsula League campaign in 2021-22 which saw them finish third in the league and runners up in the Cornwall Senior Cup.

Cusack has other options to occupy the role in the likes of another new signing Isaac Burdon who can play at centre back or right back. Another versatile defender Harrison Jewell has previously lined up in that position too, while Jordan Bentley has also previously played at both right and left back.

Regardless of replacements, Shanley will be a big miss for Athletic. The former Tavistock man has bags of pace and an eye for a dangerous cross.

He delivered a pin-point assist for Rikki Shepherd in Helston's penultimate pre-season outing. In the 89th minute Shanley whipped a delivery perfectly onto the head of the striker to convert home from inside the penalty area as Helston drew 1-1 with Teignmouth.

Helston's next match is away to Street in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup tomorrow (Saturday, August 6). Winners of the extra preliminary fixtures will earn £1,125 from the victory while on the other hand teams exiting at that stage are given £375.

If both Helston Athletic and Falmouth Town win their matches then they will face each other in the preliminary round. The match, which would take place at Helston's Kellaway Park, would be scheduled for Saturday, August 20.