Penzance 0, Helston Athletic 1

SCOTT Thomas scored his first goal for his new club as Helston Athletic beat Penzance 1-0 at Porthleven's Gala Parc on Saturday.

Centre-back Thomas, a summer signing from Redruth United, scored a second-half header to give Helston a winning end to their Dave Gardner Tournament campaign.

Thomas was a lively presence in the opposition box and twice came close early on, while Lewis Caspell went close for Penzance.

Kai Cornish spurned a one-on-one with Penzance keeper Steve Parker-Billinge soon after, before seeing a shot blocked by Mark Vercesi a minute later.

Penzance should have edged ahead just before the break when Frazer Cadman burst through the Helston defence, but keeper Barrie Wyatt stood strong to save well.

The game was finely poised with Penzance's Tyler Tonkin and Helston's Jamie Cooper coming close for their respective sides, before Thomas got his goal on 65 minutes, heading Kyle Marks' corner home at the far post.

Penzance sub Pasha Wilson had his side's final chance, with his shot rolling agonisingly wide on 76 minutes.

Penzance: S Parker-Billinge, D Magee, N Hampton, F Cadman, M Vercesi, J Storey, L Johnson, S Burt, L Caspell, T Tonkin, G Matthews. Subs: R Evans, M Kewn, P Wilson.

Helston: B Wyatt, K Davies, G Roberts, H Jewell, S Thomas, T Oliver, T Cooke, R Holland, A Wharton, K Cornish, L Tripconey. Subs: K Marks, P Cattran, L Tonkin, J Thirkle, J Cooper.

  • Helston begin their 2018/19 South West Peninsula League Premier campaign on Friday night, when they welcome Sticker to Kellaway Park (kick-off 7.30pm).