Helston Athletic returned to winning ways and earned a place in the next round of the Cornwall Senior Cup with a comfortable 0-4 away victory over South West Peninsula League side Wadebridge Town, with three of the goals coming in the first half. 

A brace apiece from strikers Stu Bowker and Craig Veal brushed aside their opponents as Athletic eased through. 

The win follows a disappointing 3-3 draw at home to Millbrook when Helston had been leading 2-0 at half-time in the Toolstation Western League.

Helston Athletic Manager Steve Massey was pleased with the way his side responded to the midweek result he said: “It was a good response, we talked about it in the dressing room particularly at half-time about managing games. We have not done that well this month, Keynsham at home 5-2 up and we couldn’t see it out. 

“That’s what we were concentrating on. We were 3-0 up at half time so we thought we’d manage it. I was pleased with that, and I was pleased to get the three teenagers on from the bench. I was able to take of Veal and Bowks for the big one on the weekend.”

Bowker’s goals capped off a successful weekend for the striker as he was voted Toolstation Western League Fans player of the month. His manager was delighted that the signing of the talisman had paid off, he said: “There is rye smile from me. One he had to improve his fitness levels, two he had to improve his discipline and thirdly had to get in the team and stay in the team and he has done that.

"He has fully deserved it and I was well pleased for him. It is great for him and great for the club as well. It reflects well on the club.”


It could be a season-defining couple of games for Helston as they prepare for two games against fellow rivals at the top of the table. This weekend they face Tavistock, before travelling to play Bitton on October 16.

The last time Helston played Tavistock they came out trumps winning 2-3 at Langsford Park. Tavistock are currently leading the way in the Western League with 28 points from 13 games.

This game presents Helston a massive opportunity to halve their six-point gap with Tavistock, more importantly, Athletic also have two games in hand over the rest of the teams at the top. 
Previewing the fixture, Massey said: “I’m expecting more of the same (as the last game) if anything more intensity and commitment from them. 

“I think they will be looking at it as their game of the season at the moment. Then the following week we go to Bitton. Our aim has been  to be in a higher league, a step above in the Western League and playing the top two teams and they don’t come any better than this. 

“It is a fantastic fortnight for me personally and the club. It is something that we should all be relishing from where we have come from. We have come a long long way to be playing in top table clashes at home one week and away the next. 

“I’d consider ourselves in the top three, we can go just behind the leaders and we have the games in hand. It is great times for the club at the moment and the players involved.”
Kick off at Kellaway Park is at 3pm on Saturday, October 9. 

READ NEXT: Weekend football preview: Top of the table clash, hat-trick of wins for Penryn?