MATCH REPORT: BRISLINGTON 0-3 HELSTON ATHLETIC

Brislington FC 0 – 3 Helston Athletic

📍 Poplar Stadium

📅 Saturday 17th August 2025

On a sweltering Saturday afternoon, Brislington welcomed in-form Helston Athletic to the Poplar Stadium. The Cornish side had set off at 8am for one of the Western League’s longest away trips, covering nearly 200 miles to BS4.

While Helston arrived in confident mood, Brislington entered the game hopeful that recent improved performances would start to translate into results. Manager Ash Kington was, however, hampered by key absences – striker Oaklan Buck missed out through suspension and Ben Withey remained sidelined with injury. Both were big losses for a young, largely rebuilt side still searching for rhythm and experience.

From the first whistle, the swirling wind made its presence felt. Brislington were forced to adapt, keeping the ball on the deck to avoid long balls being blown back toward them. However, Helston began to assert themselves territorially, dominating possession and racking up a string of corners and half-chances.

The pressure told in the 18th minute. A dangerous ball into the box caused hesitation in the Brislington backline. Right-back Dan Winstone couldn't get it clear, and Helston’s Liam Eddy reacted quickest, firing home to give the visitors a deserved lead.

To their credit, Brislington showed glimpses of encouragement as the half progressed, particularly in wide areas. But they went into the break trailing 0–1, with much to consider.

The second half saw the Foxes grow into the game. Veo stats would later show Brislington enjoyed more possession and completed more passes – but the final third remained a frustration, with few clear-cut chances created.

Just past the hour mark, disaster struck. With Brislington enjoying a spell of comfortable possession, captain Lewis Dunn was caught in possession by Helston’s Connor Paine, who calmly slotted home to make it 0–2.

Barely two minutes later, a scuffed clearance from the Brislington keeper gifted Helston the platform to mount another attack. This time, it was Olly Redd who applied the finishing touch to all but seal the points for the visitors.

Despite Brislington’s honest endeavour, there were few answers as the clock ticked down. The full-time whistle confirmed a 3–0 defeat, leaving Kington’s side with just a solitary point from their opening five matches.

A much-needed 10-day break now follows, before a trip to Nailsea & Tickenham in what already feels like a crucial six-pointer. There’s work to be done – and time to do it – as Brislington look to regroup, reset, and reignite their season.