Elburton Villa 3, Helston Athletic 2

HELSTON Athletic returned from a trip to Devon empty-handed once again after Elburton Villa scored a late winner in their South West Peninsula League Premier match at Haye Road on Saturday.

The home side took the lead early on before Scott Beattie missed the chance to level from the spot, but Kirk Davies did equalise for the Blues just before the break.

Villa edged ahead again before Helston responded via an own goal, but the hosts had the last laugh when they struck the winning goal in the final few minutes.

The Blues have taken zero points from their three trips to Devon this season after losing 1-0 at Ivybridge and 3-0 at Plymouth Argyle.

Helston were the better side but couldn't translate it to the scoreboard, and Elburton took full advantage with Jake Miller sweeping home at the end of a swift counter attack.

The visitors were given the chance to draw level from the spot soon after, but Beattie's kick was well saved by the Elburton goalkeeper.

But Beattie was bailed out by captain Davies, who levelled the scores shortly before the half-time whistle.

However Villa, who had lost their last three league games, went ahead for the second time through Sam Carter, only to let the Blues back into the game with an unfortunate own goal.

It looked as it the teams would be sharing the spoils as the minutes ticked away, but Jacob Smale popped up late on with with a header at the back post to move his side up to 15th and condemn Helston to their fifth defeat in six games.

Helston: B Wyatt, K Davies, G Roberts, R Beattie, J Storey, H Jewell, R Chinn, A Flack, S Beattie, P Cattran, J Thirkle. Subs: A Williams, K Cornish, A Wharton, L Tonkin, S Jewell.

  • Helston's next match is in two weeks time when they make the trip to Cullompton Rangers (kick-off 3pm).