SWPL WEST Bodmin Town FC 3 Helston Athletic FC 3
- Details
- Created on Wednesday, 21 October 2020 22:55
- Last Updated on Thursday, 22 October 2020 13:14
- Published on Wednesday, 21 October 2020 22:55
- Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT at Priory Park
From the first minute to the last – literally – you could not afford to take your eyes off a crackerjack of a match at rain-soaked Priory Park.
Helston took the lead after 30 seconds and Bodmin equalised in the final moments of five stoppage time minutes to complete a remarkable evening.
The 142 who braved atrocious conditions to watch a local football match were rewarded with the latest in a series of carefree, breathtaking games witnessed in the SWPL this season.
For whatever reason – and it may have a lot to do with being able to play football after the lockdown of last season – a lot of league games are being played out like cup ties where the winner takes all.
Neither team won – but local football did.
Before anybody had time to try to find a dry spot in the stand, the mayhem started with Helston attacking from kick-off and being awarded a penalty which Billy Tucker drilled home.
Bodmin equalised within five minutes as Dan Jennings’ effort from out wide flew past Helston’s new goalkeeper, Sam Borthwick, and Stuart Bowker came close to putting the home side ahead with a long range shot which just cleared the bar.
When play switched to the other end Liam Eddy, back from a long term injury lay-off, demonstrated he has lost none of his cheekiness in front of goal as he lobbed Ollie Chenoweth to restore Helston’s lead.
Eddy was on fire but his temper got the better of him on the half hour, leading to a cooling off in the sin bin. While he was off the field, Bodmin had a great opportunity to equalise in the 40th minute when they were awarded a penalty but Jennings, who had been fouled, smashed his spot kick over the bar.
It was a let-off for Helston, who responded by increasing their lead two minutes into the second half as Eddy took out his energy on the ball, firing a superb shot past Chenoweth.
At 3-1, Helston were in a good position but within three minutes they were back under pressure after Jennings reduced the arrears, this time scoring from the penalty spot.
Bodmin had a strong appeal for a third penalty on the hour, with a Helston player appearing to handle the ball, and while the linesman flagged for a spot kick, the referee waved play on.
The home side refreshed their side with three substitutions in eight minutes as the game moved into the last 20 minutes and they piled on the pressure as the rain continued to hammer down.
They looked set to be frustrated until the fourth minute of time added on as recent signing from Saltash United, Jason Vincent forced the ball into the net for a dramatic equaliser.
Even then, there was time for a dispute as the officials discussed whether a Helston player had been fouled in the build-up to Vincent’s goal.
Everybody held their breath, the referee gave the goal, and Bodmin had salvaged a point...
Bodmin O Chenoweth, S Hillson, L Bevan (S Wheatley 78), T Chambers, N Summer, J Trott, C Reski, D Magee (T Harris 70), S Bowker (J Vincent 72), D Jennings, J Dingle. Subs not used: C Turner, D Gilbert.
Goals D Jennings 6 & 50 pen J Vincent 90+4
Helston S Borthwick, H Jewell, D Mulready, L Tonkin, D Harrison, O Brokenshire, L Eddy, M Bye, B Tucker, M Goldsworthy, P Cattran. Subs: L Tripconey, A Williams, L Short, A Whorton, M Buchan.
Goals B Tucker 1 pen L Eddy 14 & 47
Referee Alan Bassett
Attendance 142
SWSN star Dan Jennings
- The game marked central defender Tom Chambers’ 400th appearance for Bodmin, in his second spell with the club.
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