Match Report:
Bridgwater United 2 (Jordan Bentley OG 45, Dave Thorne)
Helston Athletic 2 (Aaron Bentley 1 & 27)
This was ‘The Robins’ second game against title seeking Cornish opposition in 72 hours; an opportunity to put the poor performance in the preceding game behind them and to avenge the 5-1 reverse at Kellaway Park in August.
The portents for a positive outcome were certainly not encouraging as Helston were quickly into their stride. An attempted headed clearance was missed in midfield that immediately opened up an opportunity for a quality cross from the right by Jordan Copp. It fell at the feet of Aaron Bentley who smashed the ball into the top right-hand corner to give Luke Purnell no chance and his side the lead within 30 seconds of the start. 0-1.
Undaunted by this early setback, United were quick to respond with a series of promising attacks of their own, the best of which from Jack Thorne on 7 minutes, saw Kyle Moore fly to his left to prevent what looked a certain equaliser.
Further forays into the visitors final third, prompted by the increasingly influential Morgan Williams and Tom Llewellyn, were competently defended by the Helston backline. This was now an open, skilful, and entertaining game with possession shaded by the visitors. On 27 minutes, a sweeping Helston move saw Jacob Smith drive a quality cross on to the head of Bentley to double his sides advantage. 0-2.
With the interval fast approaching, United secured a free kick in a central position 35 yards out. Jake Llewellyn’s curling delivery to the far post eluded everyone apart from Jordan Bentley who, under pressure from Jason Quick, poked the ball home into his own net to halve the deficit as the referee called an end to a competitive first period. 1-2.
Whilst this late success gave the hosts good reason for optimism, their cause was not helped as Williams was sent to sin bin as the teams left the pitch.
Despite being a man down for the first 10 minutes of the half, United were soon pushing forward as Jay Murray broke through to test Moore to his left. In their quest for an equaliser, ‘The Robins’ were now playing a particularly high back line leaving them susceptible to long through balls when possession was lost.
This was evident as Smith was denied by Luke Purnell on the edge of his area, and minutes later, the speedy Rikki Shepherd broke clear but put his effort wide of the left post to the relief of most of the 238 present.
These near misses saw United redouble their efforts to get something from the game as a succession of set plays forced the visitors to defend with increasing depth and determination.
However, with time ticking by the home sides’ persistence finally paid off as yet another corner was delivered to the near post, joyously headed home by Dave Thorne to give United the point their second half performance warranted.
Undoubtedly there will be plenty of twists and turns as the final stages of the season play out, but with eight games remaining, six at home, United will surely expect to put recent slow starts behind them and push on to secure home advantage in the play-offs – at least!
United: Luke Purnell, Dave Thorne (Fin Koppa 85), Jason Quick, Mark Armstrong (Capt), Jake Llewellyn, Tom Llewellyn, Jay Murray, Morgan Williams, Jack Taylor, Jack Thorne, Adam Wright (Josiah McKayle 73)
Subs Unused: Sam Hedges, Josh Phillips, Fran Sousa
Helston Athletic: Kyle Moore, Dave Barker, Callum Martindale, Callum O’Brien, Jordan Bentley, Aaron Bentley (Capt), Steve Colwell, Curtis Damerell, Rikki Shepherd, Jordan Copp.
Subs: Tyler Elliott, Greg Eastman, Tom Payne, Sam Carter, Kai Cornish.
Competition: Toolstation Western League, Premier Division
Attendance: 238
Venue: Fairfax Park
Date: 19th March 2024
Report: Bob Buckingham
