Helston Athletic found a way to win to remain top of the Tool Station Western League after a close away clash with Welton Rovers.

The game, which took place on Saturday, March 23, was a huge occasion.

Sandra Bell, treasurer for Helston, travelled with the team on the bus to celebrate her birthday.

Goals were expected following both side's last meeting in December, which saw Helston Athletic win a 10-goal thriller 9-1.

But as the sun shined down on their rematch, the visitors were left shocked after Rovers scored the first goal of the game.

Cattermole, after a superb play involving Caleb Summerfield, hit the back of the net 16 minutes in.

The game seemed to be inching in the Rover's favour.

However, Jordan Copp's shot on the target at the 33-minute mark was a much-needed equaliser for Helston; the ball slipped out of the Rovers goalkeeper, Hamblin's reach into the net.

Both sides went into the break at 1-1 in what was a close encounter.

The turning point arrived when Helston star Rikki Shepherd was allegedly fouled in the box at the 67-minute mark, leading to a penalty for the away side.

There were questions raised by Rovers over whether it constituted an actual foul.

Jordan Copp from Helston did not waste the opportunity and successfully converted the penalty, taking the score to 2-1.

That's how it finished, as Helston Athletic squeezed through and tasted victory once again.

Falmouth Packet: This victory catapults Helston to the top of the league table in the run-up to Christmas

A Helston Athletic spokesperson said: "Back to winning ways but far from convincing.

"Full credit to hosts who are very much improved."

Helston's first team manager Matt Cusack said: "A top win today against Welton Rovers.

"Credit to their manager Ben, who should be really proud of his team.

"He has an excellent group of young players there and will pick up results.

"For us we found a way to win and that’s what’s important at this stage."

Helston Athletic remains at the top of the table with 66 points, closely followed by their local rivals, Falmouth, who are trailing by nine points but with two games in hand.

The nail-biting final anticipation is sky high as Helston gear up to host their title rivals Falmouth Town on Good Friday, April 29, kick-off at 3pm.