ST IVES 5

HELSTON 0

HELSTON suffered one of their heaviest defeats for some time when they collapsed to a 5-0 defeat away to St Ives in the Jolly's Combination League.

For 70 minutes there was nothing between the sides, but when Helston conceded a second goal they collapsed in spectacular style.

The Blues began well and Black could well have had a penalty when he was scythed down in the box, but having regained his balance the referee allowed play to continue and the chance was missed.

Helston were fortunate to escape when Steve Allen held back Ross Cook, but surprisingly he was only yellow carded. Cook made no mistake with the spotkick.

Ryan Treloar shot across the face of Paul Hodge's goal and Black looked in with a chance of scoring when he was hauled back by Chris Russell after he had gone round the defender.

Helston should have equalised in the second half when Williams worked a one-two with Treloar, but in a one-on-one with the 'keeper missed the target.

Williams had another chance shortly after when the goal beckoned with the 'keeper stranded, but he elected to pass to Black and the chance was lost.

The beginning of the end came for Helston in the 70th minute when a back pass to Mark Thomas was overhit and before he could get it under control Martin Harding pounced to score.

Andy Perkins snapped up the third goal, one which was very well-taken, after he chested the ball down and slammed his shot past Thomas.

Helston enjoyed little luck and when Craig Taylor took man and ball when he tackled Matthew Hassall, the Saints were awarded another penalty which Harding tucked away.

Helston's misery was completed when Hassall tapped the ball into an empty net.

"St Ives deserved their win," said Helston boss Alex McDonald. "For most of the game we were in contention, but unfortunately we missed our chances. I thought they were fortunate with penalties and the result was a little flattering."

Helston: M Thomas, P Rowe, R Wilkinson, S Allen, B Medlin, N Crook, R Bray, C Taylor, R Treloar, D Williams, P Black. Subs: A Collick, M Thirkle, N Barku, C Madge.