Helston Athletic crowned league champions at final match of the season

Helston Athletic were crowned league champions at their final match of the season on Saturday, at home at Kellaway Park.

The club had secured their place at the top of the league with a 2-1 victory over Torpoint last week.

Saturday’s clash against Clevedon Town was followed by the presentation of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division champions’ trophy.

To make sure that plenty of the home crowd was able to witness the historic occasion, there was reduced admission on the gate.

Their position at the top of the premier division sees Athletic promoted to the Southern Football League.

Helston signed off from the Toolstation Western League with a goalless draw against Clevedon.

The match at Kellaway Park kicked off at 3pm to a crowd of 274 and two palm trees, plus - it should be noted - a dragon.

Youngsters from the Helston U7s team served as mascots for the occasion, with players from Clevedon forming a Guard of Honour for the champions.

The first half saw chances for both sides.

A cross from Sam Carter was cleared to Curtis Damerell, who shot wide.

Later, Clevedon's Sam Beresford controlled a perfect cross from the left, but his shot was straight at Helston's keeper, Kyle Moore.

As the contest continued into the second half, there were a number of chances.

Damerell had another opportunity to score, while a corner resulted in a scramble in the Helston box but it was eventually cleared.

Despite a late-game attempt by Clevedon's Sol Kent, the score remained 0-0 at the final whistle.

Following the match, Callum O’Brien was named Man of the Match for Helston, following what was described as another huge performance.

His efforts, along with those of his teammates, ensure Helston exit the Toolstation Western League on top.

Clevedon still has playoff matches to look forward to, though, with Helston Athletic sending good wishes their way.

As rain fell, the Helston squad celebrated with champagne under the shelter of Kellaway Park following an official trophy presentation.

Helston Athletic first team manager Matt Cusack wrote after the match: "Well we did it! We set our stall out to get promotion to step four inside three years and we did it in.

"The achievement belongs to all club stakeholders. A carnival atmosphere at Kellaway to close the show.

"The lads showed a monster mentality to seal the title, beating three of the top six in the space of six days, all games with their own sub-plots.

"I said to them all along that the only thing they should fear is not realising their potential.

"On a personal note, it was lovely to have my family there to celebrate; memories I will cherish forever. People make the party and what a party it was!

"Time to recharge until we go again."