SID Taylor has praised the 'amazing' support Helston Athletic received in Easter Monday's Westinsure Cornwall Senior Cup final in Saltash.
Around 200 Blues supporters made the 130-mile round trip to Saltash United's Kimberley Stadium and Taylor's men didn't disappoint their army of fans as they held cup holders of the last three years and Premier Division champions Bodmin Town to a goalless draw (match report page 102).
In fact, Helston were unlucky not to win, in their first Senior Cup final appearance since 1937, after creating a number of goalscoring opportunities.
Nonetheless, Helston's supporters, many of which stood behind the goal in the clubhouse end, saluted the Blues at the final whistle.
Tribute
And Taylor was quick to pay tribute to those who made the trip for Helston's big day.
He said: "I thought our fans were amazing today. They really enjoyed their day, it's just a shame we didn't get the win for them.
"To see so many of our supporters behind the goal was brilliant. The players have been fantastic this season and to get that much support on our big day was great to see."
Helston's replay against Bodmin will take place at Truro City's Treyew Road on Tuesday April 16.
If Helston can replicate Monday's performance when the sides meet again, Taylor believes they have every chance of causing Bodmin problems again.
He said: "We've got nothing to lose. We've played against them now and if we play like that again in the replay then I'm sure we'll take one of these chances."
Taylor watched the majority of the second half from the stands after he was sent off by referee Martin Ault following a confrontation with fourth official Luke Maslen.
The Helston boss didn't appear to do much wrong when he was approached by Maslen. But after an exchange of words, the Pensilva official called Ault across, and he subsequently gave Taylor his marching orders.
Over reaction
He said: "To be honest I'm not quite sure what happened there. The fourth official came running across to me and told me to shut up. I told him to shut up and the next thing he called the referee over.
"It was silly really. It was a complete over reaction from the officials and I've had to spend most of the second half in the stand."
Helston didn't have the best of preparations for Easter Monday's final after losing to derby rivals Porthleven on Good Friday, a result which has put a massive dent in their Division One West title hopes.
The Blues will trail leaders Godolphin Atlantic by seven points if they win their three games in hand. Helston could cut their lead further when the sides meet at Kellaway Parc on April 24, but they are now relying on Godolphin dropping more points.
On Saturday Helston host Perranporth, with Godolphin travelling to Callington.
