HELSTON 2 ST JUST 3

TWO goals in three minutes at the end of this well-contested Jolly's Combination League clash at Kellaway Park saw St Just nick three important points to keep them at the top of the table.

"For 70 minutes we were as good as they were," said manager Kevin Goldsworthy "but you have to hand it to them because they are a good side, kept going, and took their chances.

"Our goalkeeper, Mark Thomas, expected to be a lot busier, but if you get three chances and take them to win the game that's a job well done.

"I think our overall performance was encouraging and deserved something, but I was more than pleased with the way we buckled down and worked hard against what is one of the better teams in the competition."

St Just began the better of the two sides, but after ten minutes Helston began to made inroads into the visitors' defence and began to create problems of their own.

Their efforts paid off after 25 minutes when they took the lead through Reg Pearson who turned on the edge of the box and drilled his shot into the bottom corner past Andy Angove.

The lead didn't last long and three minutes later St Just were back on level terms when a ball over the top was fastened on to by Shane Richards who ran on to shoot past Thomas.

Right on the half-time whistle Helston regained the lead when Rob Eddy broke away and delivered a great cross for Pearson to rise at the far post and outjump the defenders to head in.

St Just upped the tempo in the second half as they went about their business, but Helston more than held their own and created chances that could have extended their lead.

Graham Blake had a chance with a header, but instead brought a great save from Andy Angove.

Unfortunately for Helston the sting was in the tail and ten minutes from time a pass from midfield dissected the home back four for Richards to race on to and score.

Three minutes later possible victory was turned into defeat when St Just snapped up a third goal when Richards pulled the ball back for Danny Rendle to drill his shot past Thomas.

On Saturday Helston face another test when they entertain Truro City at Kellaway Park, kick-off 3 pm.

Helston: M Thomas, C Reynolds, G Cook, C Breasley, C Madge, T Russell, G Blake, N Perry, M Hallibone, R Pearson, R Eddy. Subs: T Clarke, A Charleston.