HAVING lost to Barnstaple Town FC and results elsewhere going against them, Helston Athletic have lost their position as the Western League Premier Division's league leaders. 

With Falmouth Town beating Buckland Athletic by two goals to one, Helston needed all three points from their latest fixture to stay top, however, a red card and a Man of the Match performance from Barnstaple debutant Oscar Massey meant the Blues finished the day in second place. 

Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute's silence in memory of club stalwart Wendy Skewes. Once the game was finally underway, it took almost half an hour before either side could break through and inch ahead.

When the first goal of the game did finally arrive, it was Helston who were able to strike first with Tyler Elliot breaking the deadlock with an assist from Jordan Copp. 

However, Helston's lead did not last for long as, approximately ten minutes late on the 36th minute, Barnstaple brought themselves level, equalising through Brodie Montague after Stu Bowker put in a great ball to Barnstaple's number 5. 

As the first half drew to a close, neither side were able to find a way through and inch themselves ahead. As the whistle sounded to signal the end of the first 45 minutes, both teams went in with a goal apiece. 

The second half kicked off in much the same way the first did, however, it took just under 15 minutes for Barnstaple to pull themselves ahead with Oscar Massey scoring after taking the ball past Helston keeper Moore after latching on to a good ball from Callum Laird. 

Things went from bad to worse for Helston after that as, six minutes from the end of the second half, fullback Tyler Elliot was given his marching orders after receiving a red card for a horror tackle. 

To add insult to injury, in the fifth minutes of added time, Oscar Massey decided he wasn't quite done scoring and once again rounded Moore for to slot home his second goal of the game and secure himself as Man of the Match. 

The crowd of 101 that occupied Kellaway Park will undoubtedly be disappointed with their team's failure to retain the top spot. However, with much of the season still left to play, Helston won't be sweating just yet. 

Helston's next game will be away against Oldland Abbotonians at Aitchison Playing Field on Saturday, October 7 and will kick-off at 3pm.