Toolstation Western League: Nailsea & Tickenham 0-2 Helston Athletic

The Swags hosted table toppers Helston Athletic in the Toolstation Premier league in a game influenced by an early controversial dismissal for N&T's Ryan Gissing. 

Scott Pilgrim and James Seeley returned to the squad as the Swags looked to cause an upset, with Helston one of the title contenders after a great season so far.

After an even first ten minutes both teams had half chances, with Lucas Vowles going close after gaining possession from a rare Helston defensive error, and Heston striking the Nailsea cross bar with a deflected effort.

After twelve minutes, Helston took the lead after hesitation at the back from a free kick, the ball hitting the unfortunate Lloyd Mills and going in past goalkeeper Shay Allen.

The Swags reacted well and created further opportunities, Vowles again going close. Helston had the ball in the back of the net after a close range finish was flagged for offside. 

The turning point came after twenty minutes when Ryan Gissing came together with a Helston player whilst attempting to win the ball, and to the surprise of many, the referee handed him a red card in what looked a harsh decision.

Gissing suffered a broken nose in the challenge, but the Swags were forced to play the rest of the game with ten men.

A spirited battling display followed, with N&T playing on the counter attack and Helston enjoying lots of possession.

Oliver Carter thought he'd equalised when he headed the ball into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal for a foul.

The Swags kept going and did well to defend several Helston attacks. Helston did make a breakthrough in the second half, making it 2-0 after a cross was headed in from close range.

There was still time for Luke Osgood to fire narrowly wide as the Swags looked to salvage something from the game, but the extra man advantage counted in Helstons favour as the game came to an end.

The MOM Sponsored by Aspen Services was Hamish Hurst. The Swags have the chance to get back to winning ways on Tuesday evening at Home again V Welton Rovers FC.