GODOLPHIN Atlantic didn't even kick a ball on Saturday, but they still had reason to celebrate in the club's local bar following Helston's failure to beat Dobwalls.
After watching the club's second team win their Duchy League Knockout Cup tie at Godolphin Way, manager Derek Martin made the short walk through to the bar where it all began for the G-Men, the Godolphin Arms. And following a quick phone call to check the final score at Kellaway Parc, players and officials were able to toast what could turn out to be a significant result in the Division One West title race.
Helston's 2-2 draw, after Joe Knight grabbed an 89th minute equaliser (match report page 106), means promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in the club's history is now in Godolphin's hands.
They were without a fixture on Saturday, giving Helston the chance to cut Godolphin's lead to 11 points with one of their four games in hand.
But now the Blues, who play Bodmin Town in the Westinsure Cornwall Senior Cup final on Easter Monday, will have to rely on Godolphin dropping points.
Even if Helston defeat Godolphin when the sides meet at Kellaway Parc on April 20, Godolphin will still need to drop points elsewhere.
But despite the significance of Saturday's result in Helston, with the next five of Godolphin's remaining six games coming away from home, Martin has warned the title race is far from over.
On Good Friday, they take on third-placed Wadebridge Town at Bodieve Park (11am) and on Saturday week they travel to Callington Town.
Godolphin then face a potentially tricky midweek fixture away to St Dennis, before travelling to Truro City on April 13. If they emerge from those games with maximum points then avoiding defeat at Helston on April 20 will all but clinch promotion, if it hasn't already been assured.
Godolphin end the campaign at home to Vospers Oak Villa on May 4.
Martin said: "The result on Saturday was a massive boost. The more points Helston drop the better, but it's far from over.
"They have three games in hand on us, which I expect them to win because they are against teams at the bottom.
"People might think we're clear but our next five games are away from home and they are not easy games.
"We are really getting down to the nitty gritty now and all we can do is take it one game at a time.
"It's too close for comfort, but we'll just keep plugging away and hopefully Helston will drop a few more points. We're certainly not getting carried away because we still have some very difficult games."
Martin confirmed this week that the club's application for planning permission to install floodlights is now in advanced stages and they are "hopeful" of receiving the go ahead from Cornwall Council.
The Godolphin boss said: "We are now in the final throws of the application and we are hopeful. Newquay Council voted unanimously in our favour, we're just waiting to hear back from Cornwall Council, but I don't expect there to be any problems."
To gain entry to next season's Premier Division, Godolphin Atlantic's ground must meet the requirements set by the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League, and that includes the installation of floodlights.
The club will have the finances to go ahead with the work, and are just awaiting the green light from the Council.
More football, Page 106.