Helston Athletic 2, Godolphin Atlantic 3
GODOLPHIN Atlantic have been crowned Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Division One West champions after beating title rivals Helston Athletic at Kellaway Parc on Saturday.
It was a fitting finale to what has been a magnificent season for the G-Men, who will now be hoping to be playing Premier Division football next season.
They were deserved winners against a jaded Helston side, who were beaten by Bodmin Town after extra-time in their Cornwall Senior Cup final replay on Tuesday night.
Derek Martin's men made the best possible start when Aaron Dilley curled the ball into the top corner with five minutes on the clock.
But it was a lead that lasted only a minute as Helston drew level through Mark Goldsworthy, whose effort from the edge of the area beat Shaun Semmens with the help of the post.
Godolphin were the better team in the opening 45 minutes and should have been back in front as Phil Lowry wasted a couple of chances.
They did, however, finally retake the lead in the 58th minute as midfielder Luke Rigby weaved his way into the box before firing the ball into the bottom corner.
Helston wouldn't lie down though and when Liam Eddy made it 2-2 with an excellent finish from the edge of the area in the 77th minute it set the game up for an exciting finale.
But as Godolphin closed in on the point that would see them crowned league champions, Lowry made sure when he was sent through on goal before slipping the ball past Helston goalkeeper Jason Robertson in the 85th minute.
It was a goal that sparked celebrations on and off the pitch as Godolphin wrote another incredible chapter in their short 33-year history.
The club reiterated on Saturday that it is confident that their Godolphin Way ground will pass the necessary ground grading requirements to join the Peninsula League top flight next season.
Helston: J Robertson, K Davies, A Collick, J Thomson, H Howlett, A Stidwell (S Jenkin 65), J Adlard (M Fox 63), C Young, L Eddy, M Goldsworthy, T Russell. Subs (not used): M Webster, C Strike, F ***ming.
Godolphin: S Semmens, S Flannigan, O Dart, O Pinnell, S Eglington, R Fallens, M Rose (K Brown 81), L Rigby, R Griffiths (L Paxton 84), P Lowry, A Dilley (J Whigg 54). Subs (not used): T Shephard, A Martin.
