HELSTON Athletic basked in the glow of the FA Vase on Saturday, despite going down 2-1 to an excellent Team Solent side at Kellaway Park.

It was a special occasion for the Blues, who played their first home match in the competition 120 years after forming as a club.

Boss Sid Taylor said: "We thoroughly enjoyed it, hopefully we can be in the FA Vase for the long term and Saturday was just the start.

"There are several clubs struggling in the Peninsula League at present but we have taken big strides in the last few years and to have a team of the quality of Team Solent visit us was fantastic."

Taylor admitted that his players were a little overawed by the occasion in the first half, but was delighted with how they battled back in the second period.

"We did freeze a bit albeit against a very good team, but I was very proud of how we pushed them in the second half. We're a team that never knows we're beaten and we could have forced an equaliser."

Last night Taylor took a much-depleted squad to Camelford for a return to SWPL Premier action. Hugh Howlett (illness), Tom Russell (holiday), Tyler Oliver and Gemell Mills (both injured) were among those who were unable to travel.

They are away again on Saturday, when they visit Torpoint.

Before last night's action, both teams sat just below Helston in the league and positive results are imperative if the Blues are to climb the table.

"We're out of the FA Vase and the Senior Cup now, but we have a League Cup tie against Tiverton in January to look forward to. Before that though, the league is the bread and butter and I'm hoping we will have players back for the trip to Torpoint."