Helston Athletic v Bridgwater United

Helston Athletic Football Club - Founded 1896

CLUB HONOURS

Cornwall Senior Cup Winners 1936/37, 2022/23

Runners-up 2012/13

Western League Les Phillips Cup Winners 2022/23

SW Peninsula League Div 1 West Champions 2014/15

Runners-up 2011/12, 2012/13

Cornwall Combination League Champions 1987/88, 2000/01, 2010/11, 2021/22

Trelawny League D1 winners 2016/17

D2 runners-up 2015/16

D3 runners-up 2014/15

D5 runners-up 2012/13

Cornwall Veterans League D1 winners 2021/22 D2 winners 2020/21

Cornwall Women’s Football Lg. Winners 2020/21, 2022/23

Runners-up 2016/17

Cornwall Women’s Football L Cup Winners 2022/23

Cornwall Junior Cup Winners 2013/14

Cornwall Women’s Cup Winners 2021/22

Runners-up 2022/23

Cornwall Charity Cup Winners 1937/38, 1960/61, 1961/62

Runners-up 1935/36, 1951/52

Cornwall Senior Lg. Herald Cup Winners 1936/37, 1937/38, 1939/40

Runners-up 1938/39

Cornwall Combination Lg. Cup Winners 2021/22

Runners-up 1974/75, 2002/03, 2007/08 2022/23

Cornwall Sunday Cup Winners 2021/22

Cornwall Veterans League Cup Winners 2021/22

Arthur Pearce Cup Winners 2013/14

Lockhart Cup Winners 2015/16

League Cup Winners 2016/17

Kellaway Park, Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall TR13 8PJ

Welcome to Kellaway Park, the home of ‘The Blues’ of Helston Athletic Football Club.

The 22/23 season was without doubt the club’s most successful of recent times, if not that of any in the clubs one hundred and twenty seven year history.

Whilst progressing further in The FA Cup than ever before in addition to completing a Cornwall Senior Cup and Western League Les Phillips Cup double exceeded expectations, an early FA Vase exit along with finishing sixth in the league has given room for yet further gains to be achieved.

Away from the flagship the wider club triumphed in three additional county cup competitions whilst finishing as runners up in a further two. Several youth teams were also crowned league and / or league cup champions.

Win or lose the club and town remain proud of everyone who represented Helston Athletic Football Club last season.

As a club we continue to strive for continued improvement both on and off the field of play. Over the forthcoming months we hope the results of the dedication and hard work of those who give up so much of their time will continue to enhance your match day experience whether you are a player, an official or a spectator.

Compliance has become ever more important to help ensure everybody enjoys their football in the safest of environments. Helston Athletic Football Club are therefore pleased to share that it was recently awarded an England Football Accredited Club 3* rating. The award reflects the club’s commitment to the future of football within our local community.

As always, the club remains extremely grateful for the valuable contributions of the numerous organisations, businesses and volunteers who continue to support us. Without your individual support running a successful football club for all ages would be impossible – thank you.

Finally, we hope you enjoy your visit to Kellaway Park today, so much so that you return very soon.

Here’s to another successful year of footballing action and for all things Helston.

Good Afternoon One & All,

What a start to our Emirates FA Cup campaign last Saturday with a convincing 3-1 win over higher league opponents Willand Rovers. Massive thank you to all who came along to support. We go again in the competition next Saturday with an away trip to Bideford.

This afternoon it's back to Toolstation Western League Premier Division action as we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Bridgwater United, along with match officials Will Annear, Aimee Green and Mike Glanville to Kellaway Park. Although just the third league match of the season for both teams, today’s encounter has all the potential to be an early season title decider with both sides currently unbeaten.

Last weekend I recorded my best wishes to both Helston Athletic Development I and II sides who were down to commence their respective league campaigns in the week ahead. Delighted to share both recorded well deserved victories. No fixture for Development 1 this week however Development II make their home debut on Tuesday evening as they entertain Wendron United 3rds. KO is at 6:30pm.

Following today, and ahead of Bideford next Saturday, we head for Blaise Park home of St Blazey FC on Wednesday evening for what is currently our last scheduled midweek Toolstation Western League Premier Division fixture of the season. KO is at 7:30pm. We hope as many of you as possible can make the short journey for what I am sure will be a busy and exciting evening.

Whichever team you are supporting today please be sure to enjoy your afternoon and as always thank you for your magnificent support.

Paul Hendy (Chairman)

Pic. right:

Last Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup Man of the Match Callum O’Brien pictured with matchday sponsor Geoff Taylor.

Pic credit: Tyler Bowden

Saturday 12th August 2023

Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Barnstaple Town v St Blazey

Brixham v Nailsea & Tickenham

Clevedon Town v Saltash United

Helston Athletic v Bridgwater United

Ilfracombe Town v Falmouth Town

Millbrook v Street

Oldland Abbotonians v Buckland Athletic

Shepton Mallet v Welton Rovers

Torpoint Athletic v Wellington

Interest in promotion from the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League will be extended from the top two places to the top five, in the 2023/24 season.

The Football Association have announced that next season, there will be a fourteam Play-Off in each of the sixteen Step 5 divisions, the level of the non-league pyramid occupied by the Western Leagues Premier Division, guaranteeing a second promotion place into the Southern League. Last season, Saltash United were denied promotion by Bristol Manor Farm, who managed to retain their Southern League status, defeating their Western League rivals at the Creek.

The FA’s proposals for promotion and relegation, announced in March 2023, have signalled that the inter-step play off is a thing of the past, with Western League Clubs now competing against each other for a playoff place, subject to their facilities meeting ground grading requirements.

Next season, two sides are set to be relegated from the Southern League Division One South, as the FA seek to increase the divisional size at Step 4 to 22 Clubs per division. The FA’s latest reorganisation is good news for Western League Premier Division Clubs as only one side will be liable for relegation next season. From the 2024/25 season, the FA have announced their intention that four Clubs will be relegated from Southern League Division One South, along with the other seven divisions that cover the country at Step 4.

However, the future of the Western League is uncertain going into the 2024/25 season, with an FA working group currently looking into the future structure of Step 5 and 6 football in the South West, following the collapse of the merger between the South West Peninsula League and the Western League, earlier this year.

Should the FA undertake a reorganisation of football in the South West and create an additional Step 5 Division to address the considerable travel distances Clubs currently face, this may impact both how and how many sides are promoted and relegated across the region.

Development I Fixtures & Results 2023/2024

St PIRAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (WEST)

Date Opponents

Sat 5 Aug Penryn Athletic A W 4-2 Tripconey (2), Dunstan, Pallett

Tue 22 Aug Perranwell H

Tue 29 Aug St Agnes H

Sat 2 Sep Redruth United A

Sat 9 Sep Hayle H

Tue 12 Sep Mousehole Dev. H

Sat 30 Sep St Newlyn East A (Cup)

Sat 7 Oct Wendron Res H

Sat 14 Oct Pendeen Rovers A

Sat 21 Oct St Day A

Sat 18 Nov St Agnes A

Sat 25 Nov Mullion Res A

Sat 2 Dec Falmouth Town H

Sat 9 Dec St Just H

Sat 16 Dec Wendron Utd Res A

Tue 26 Dec Porthleven A

Sat 6 Jan Penryn Athletic H

Sat 13 Jan St Day H

Sat 27 Jan Illogan RBL H

Sat 3 Feb Hayle A

Sat 10 Feb Perranwell A

Sat 17 Feb Pendeen Rovers H

Sat 24 Feb Falmouth Town A

Sat 2 Mar Mullion Res H

Sat 9 Mar Redruth United H

Sat 16 Mar Mousehole Dev. A

Sat 30 MarPorthleven H

Sat 13 Apr St Just A

TBA Illogan RBL A

Development II Fixtures & Results 2023/2024

ST PIRAN LEAGUE DIVISION 1 (WEST)

Date Opponents Ven. Res. Scorers

Tue 9 Aug St Agnes Res A W 2-0 Forwood, Simms

Tue 15 Aug Wendron United H

Tue 5 Sep RNAS Culdrose H

Sat 9 Sep Hayle Res A

Sat 16 Sep Praze A

Tue 19 Sep West Cornwall H

Sat 30 Sep Troon A

Tue 10 Oct Camborne SOM H

Sat 14 Oct West Cornwall H (Cup)

Sat 21 Oct Ludgvan A

Sat 28 Oct Mawnan H

Sat 11 Nov Threemilestone H

Sat 18 Nov Wendron United A

Sat 9 Dec West Cornwall A

Sat 23 Dec Hayle Res H

Tue 26 Dec Porthleven H

2024

Sat 13 Jan St Ives A

Sat 3 Feb St Agnes H

Sat 24 Feb Camborne SOM A

Tue 27 Feb St Day Res H

Sat 2 Mar RNAS Culdrose A

Tue 5 Mar St Ives H

Sat 16 Mar Mawnan A

Tue 19 Mar Ludgvan H

Fri 29 Mar Porthleven A

Sat 30 Mar Threemilestone A

Sat 6 Apr Praze H

Wed 10 AprTroon H

Tue 16 Apr St Day Res A

HELSTON ATHLETIC FC

Blue & White shirts

Blue shorts

Blue socks

Kyle MOORE (GK)

Tyler ELLIOTT

Freddie WALTER

Tom MOXHAM

Callum O’BRIEN

Aaron BENTLEY

Jordan BENTLEY

Dave BARKER

Harrison JEWELL (c)

Jacob SMITH

Steve COLWELL

Jordan COPP

Tom PAYNE

Sam CARTER

Jamie SIMMONDS

Curtis DAMERELL

Rubin WILSON

Rikki SHEPHERD

Manager/Coach Matt CUSACK

Asst. Manager

Goalkeeper Coach

Physio

Dan HARRISON

Martyn DAUGHTERY

Jaimie OSBORNE

Referee

Will ANNEAR

BRIDGWATER UNITED

Red & Black shirts

Black shorts

Red socks

Jake VINEY

Mark ARMSTRONG

George KING

Jake LLEWELLYN

Tom LLEWELLYN

Jacob SPENCE

Jack TAYLOR

Dave THORNE

Josh PHILLIPS

Ross EDWARDS

Ethan FELTHAM

Harry HORTON

Oliver SAUNDERS

Jack THORNE

Jason QUICK

Sam TOWLER

Morgan WILLIAMS

Adam WRIGHT

Management Team

Dave PEARSE

Karl BAGGALEY

S Q U A D

Assistants

Aimee GREEN

Mike GLANVILLE

BRIDGWATER UNITED FC

Early attempts to establish a senior association football club in the rugby stronghold of Bridgwater failed to attract supporters, were beset with financial woes and were thus short-lived.

It was not until after the Second World War that solid foundations for a club were finally laid. A group of enthusiasts formed CROWN DYNAMO FC in 1946 based at a public house in St John Street. The team quickly gained a substantial following and became the forerunner of BRIDGWATER TOWN AFC

The purchase of land off Bristol Road for a home ground [Castlefield], the backing of a large supporters’ organisation and the support of prominent local businessmen, who became directors enabled the club to flourish.

Soon the club owned a portfolio of residential property and was able to offer a house, a job and a good part-time wage to prospective footballers. This enabled the club to attract many ex-Football League professionals and field strong, competitive teams, which enjoyed great success as one of the Western League’s leading sides.

Two Western League championship mantles, cup final wins and thrilling runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy were experienced throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s. In 1982 Bridgwater Town AFC became members of the Southern League. However, It all came to an abrupt end in June 1984 when substantial debts forced the club into voluntary liquidation.

A new club, BRIDGWATER TOWN 1984 FC was quickly established by a band of loyal supporters: and from humble beginnings worked all the way back up from Somerset County League origins to attaining Southern League membership inside a twenty-three year time span.

On the way the club enjoyed a hat-trick of Somerset County League titles, a Screwfix Western League Division 1 championship and two Les Philips Cup Final wins. As members of the Southern League they reached the Final of the League Cup (2009) and were beaten finalists in the promotion play-offs (2010)

However after 2010 leaner times returned, eventually leading to relegation in 2017. Returning to Step 5 level once more, the club remains ambitious, with the aim of competing strongly for the title and regaining its previous status.

The club’s ambitions received a massive boost during the early part of 2021 as it merged with Yeovil United FC to become BRIDGWATER UNITED FC. Now, with a new club status, ownership and business model, plans are at an advanced stage to make the club a real community asset - not just for the town of Bridgwater but for the whole of Somerset.

2021-22 season was a success clinching the Les Phillips Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cadbury Heath at Wells City FC along with a number of other cup wins for the Women’s squads and youth teams.

BRIDGWATER UNITED FC

BTFC Player Bio’s 2023-24

Dave Pearse: Hugely experienced, Dave returned to Bridgwater Town as joint player/manager with Karl Baggaley in season 2017/18 and will be looking to build on the progress made in recent years.

Karl Baggaley: Assistant Manager who has worked alongside Dave Pearse for many years

Jake Viney: Fantastic shot stopper and sweeper keeper. After suffering a serious injury which kept him out for a whole season in 2016/17, he has come back stronger than ever with a string of outstanding performances.

Mark Armstrong: Captain of the club and a born leader, Mark is an experienced, hardworking, tough tackling midfielder, equally comfortable in central defence.

George King: Midfielder from Clevedon Town and is the son of well-known Bridgwater Town and Western League goalscorer Ryan King.

Jake Llewellyn: Top quality defender who has played at National League South Level for Weston super Mare; great going forward with a wand of a left foot.

Tom Llewellyn: Brother of Jake and another who has played at a higher level and will do again. Son of former Bristol City favourite Andy Llewellyn.

Jacob Spence: Strong and powerful defender joined from Ashton and Backwell United last season and can score goals.

Jack Taylor: ‘Fan’s favourite’ Jack signed from Wellington three seasons ago and winning numerous end of season awards in Robins’ colours. Has well over a century of goals for the club and is closing in on the all time scoring record.

Dave Thorne: Now in his fifth season at the club ‘Mr Consistent’ is an 8/10 week in week out. Dave is a committed tough tackling defender who always gives everything and having missed all of last season is back to fitness.

Josh Phillips: 21 year old full back who was at Street before joining Dorchester Town where he was U23 player of the year.

Player Profiles...

Mike SEARLE (GK) Bigpresenceineverygameshoutingrearguardinstructions fellowteammates.GreatshotstopperwhomadehisHelstonreturnintheSenior CupsemifinalversusSaltashUnitedfollowingalengthylayoffduetoinjury.

Kyle MOORE (GK). KylejoineduspartwaythroughtheseasonfromPlymouth Parkway.Kylewaspartoftheteamthatwonbacktobackpromotions.Anexcellentshotstopperanddistributoroftheball,hewilladdgreatvaluetoournew campaign.

Jordan BENTLEY. Jordanentershis3rdseasonwiththeclub.Hecontinuestobea dominantCBwhocanplaywithindifferentformations.andwaspartofourcup doublesuccessinthepreviouscampaign.

Aaron BENTLEY. Aaronentershis3rdseasonwiththeclub.Heisatechnically efficientdefenderwithattributestoplayinotherpositions.Aaronhasanexcellentfootballpedigreeandhasoperatedathigherlevels.

Freddie WALTER. Freddieisaversatiledefenderenjoyinghissecondseasonat theclub.Freddiesteppeduptostep5footballlastseasonandhisperformances provedhebelongshere.

Harrison JEWELL (Capt) Anexceptionalseasonlastyear,HputinmanyM.O.M performancesandwon2ofourendofseasonawards.AninfluentialCBwhohas alsobeenmadecaptainforthiscampaign.

Callum O’BRIEN. Athrowbacktohowdefendersusedtobe,nononsenseand hardhitting.Lethalatsetplaysandcanplayonthedeckaswell.Deceptively quickover10-15metres.

Tom MOXHAM. ExcellentpedigreehavingcompletedaPlymouthArgylescholarshipfollowedbyfouryearsattheUniversityofPittsburgh.ExpecttoseeMoximpactinggamesasafullbackor awingbackwithhisexcellentdelivery.

Dave BARKER. Hassetthestandardforrightsidedfullbacks/wingbacksover thepastfiveyears.Barksregularlychipsinwithdoublefigureseachseason,a remarkablestatgivenhisposition.Heactuallygrabbeda90thminutewinner hereforhisformerclubSaltashlastseason.Hewillbringvalueatbothendsof thepitchwithaddedleadershipqualities.

Tom PAYNE. Payneyhadanexceptionalcampaignlastseason.Hechippedin with15goalsand15assistsfrommidfield,andscoredinthefirstofourtwocup finaltriumphslastcampaign.

Player Profiles...

Jacob SMITH. Theyoungestofoursummersignings.Playedthemostnumberof gamesforTorpointlastseasonasabasemidfielder.Hasworkedwiththemanager beforeatPlymouthParkway.Hasputinsomeimpressiveperformancesinpreseasonandcontinuestoadoptandexcellentapproachonthetrainingground.

Stevie COLWELL. Steviehasoperatedathigherlevelshavingpreviouslyplayed withWeymouth,Tivertonandmorerecently,PlymouthParkway.Aballplaying midfielderwithexceptionaltechnicalandtacticalquality.

Tyler ELLIOTT. Tyisaversatileplayerthatcanoperateinmanypositionswithin theteam.Lastseasonhewasregularlyimpactinggamesfromwiderpositions.He hasaterrificworkethicandappetiteforthegame.

Kai CORNISH. Kaihasnowcompletedhisuniversitystudiesandthereforefeelslike anewsigning.Anaccomplisheddribblerthatcanimpactsgamesinthefinalthird. Wearehopefulitwillbeabigcampaignforhim.

Sam CARTER. Cart’sseasonhadliftoffaroundSeptemberlastcampaign.Hefound himselfamongstthegoalsandassistsfromanattackingmidfieldposition.Extremelyathletic,Cartswillbelookingtobuildonhissuccessfulcampaignlasttime around.

Jordan COPP. Jordanisoneofthemosttechnicallygiftedplayersthemanagerhas workedwith.HebringsbagsofexperienceandpedigreehavingoperatedatStep2 withWeymouth.Anattackingplayerofexceptionalqualitywhocanoperatewide orcentrally.Hecreated18assistsinthelastcampaign.

Rikki SHEPHERD. Rikkiisalightningquickstrikerwhofinishedtopscorerlast campaignwith26goals.Heprovedabiggameplayerscoringinbothofourcup winningfinals.Weareexpectingmorebigthingsthisseason.

Rubin WILSON. Rubinformedtheotherhalfofourstrikepartnershiplastseason andscored24goalsinhisfirstfullmen’sseason.Hescoredthesecondgoalinour secondcupfinaltriumphtocapoffafinecampaign.

Jamie SIMMONDS. Themanagerhonestlydoesn’tknowhowthisladgetsthrough eachday!Asidefromthat,heisstartingtoflourishasafootballerinthisenvironmentandismoreregularlyimpactinggamesinoffensivepositions.Jamieisoneof thebesttechniciansintheteamandweareexpectingbigthingsfromhimthisseason.

Curtis DAMERELL. AnothermanagerdescribedCurtisas‘thecompletenumber9’. HewasjointtopscorerintheWesternLeaguelastseason.Curtishashadaslower starttothepre-seasonduetoinjury.Howeverheisnowwellontheroadtorecoveryandisgettingbetterallthetimeonthetraininggroundandinmatches.Expect himtoaddhugevaluetothefrontlinethisseason.

A guide to away games this season in the Western League Premier Division

(Mileages obtained from theaa.com route planner)

Fixtures & Results 2023/2024

Tue

Sat

Sat 12 Aug Bridgwater Utd H

Wed 16 AugSt. Blazey A

Sat 19 Aug Bideford (FAC) A

Sat 26 Aug Millbrook H

Sat 2 Sep Brixham A

Sat 9 Sep Shepton Mallet A

Sat 16 Sep Ilfracombe Town H

Sat 23 Sep Axminster/Street H (FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round)

Sat 30 Sep Barnstaple Town H

Sat 7 Oct Oldland Abbots. A

Sat 14 Oct Millbrook A

Sat 21 Oct Street H

Sat 28 Oct Buckland Athletic A

Sat 4 Nov Nailsea & Tick. H

Sat 18 Nov Oldland Abbots. H

Sat 25 Nov St. Blazey H

Sat 2 Dec Bridgwater United A

Sat 9 Dec Ilfracombe Town A

Sat 16 Dec Welton Rovers H

Tue 26 Dec Falmouth Town A

Sat 30 Dec Torpoint Athletic H

2024

Sat 6 Jan Barnstaple Town A

Fixtures & Results 2023/2024

Date Opponents Ven. Res. Att. Scorers

Sat 13 Jan Clevedon Town A

Sat 20 Jan Shepton Mallet H

Sat 3 Feb Nailsea & Tick. A

Sat 10 Feb Saltash United H

Sat 24 Feb Clevedon Town H

Sat 9 Mar Street A

Sat 16 Mar Brixham H

Sat 23 Mar Welton Rovers A

Fri 29 Mar Falmouth Town H

Mon 1 Apr Torpoint Athletic A

Sat 6 Apr Wellington A

Sat 20 Apr Buckland Ath. H