I received criticism from some quarters that my reaction to Helston Athletic’s impressive 5-0 win over Falmouth Town on Saturday focused too much on the events off the pitch – which you can read about here – rather than the Helston team on it, so allow me to do so now.

Helston swept aside their local rivals at Kellaway Park, with five different players netting as the Blues got their 2019 Dave Gardner Memorial Tournament off to a great start.

But it was partly overshadowed by a touchline dispute between Falmouth boss Andrew Westgarth and referee Nigel D’Arcy, who quickly showed the Town man two yellow cards.

But it certainly did not have an effect on the result as Helston enjoyed a comfortable victory.

The team is among the contenders for the South West Peninsula League Premier West title this season, and based on Saturday’s performance it is not hard to see why. Manager Steve Massey has put together a squad brimming with exciting youth and high-quality experience, both of which were on show in spades on Saturday.

Mark Goldsworthy, who scored 25 for St Austell last season, opened the scoring with a stupendous swivel and shot into the top corner which was worthy of winning any game.

Alongside him was young Alfie Flack, who looked impressive and was unlucky not to score. The same could be applied to young winger Cameron Wheat, who has joined from Wendron and was a regular threat on the wing and in the air.

Lewis Tonkin impressed in a couple of positions for Helston, while Harrison Jewell reaffirmed why he has long been considered one of the Blues’ brightest young stars with an assured performance in the heart of midfield.

Some of them were not even meant to be starting. Matt Bye and brothers Scott and Ryan Beattie were all delayed on their journey down from Devon, meaning all three began on the bench. All three came off it, and all three duly scored.

Then you take into account the players that were not involved on Saturday, which include former Truro pair Liam Eddy and Neil Slateford, Colchester United trialist Josh Storey and last season’s 15-goal top-scorer Phil Cattran.

Those players aren’t even in the squad at the moment, and yet the Blues had little trouble in disposing of the Cornwall Senior Cup holders.

If this Helston team doesn’t win the league this year, then whoever does will have to be a very good side.