WITH four players out, centre forward Margaret Brimacombe, who has an ankle injury, found herself playing in goal. Her only other experience of playing in goal was in hockey at school six years ago! writes Liam Dart.

However, you would not have realised with a string of heroic, smart and brave saves which at times in the first half kept Launceston in the game.

In the opening 15-20 minutes Launceston were on top with Jill Haines, Lucy Bounsall and Ria Tilley testing the 'keeper. New signing Chynna Evans' long throw-ins caused the Weymouth defence problems but no real clear cut chances materialised.

Weymouth grew into the game and their slick passing and movement started to cause problems with their midfield getting on top of the game.

On 22 minutes Brimacombe was called into action, a cross from wide went towards the unmarked Weymouth forward had goal written all over it but Brimacombe came and punched the ball to safety taking Chelle Bowden and the Weymouth forward with her.

Minutes later Brimacombe stood tall before claiming the ball from the feet of the striker when 1v1. Another smart punch from a corner and then a save from the follow up denied Weymouth again.

After the break Launceston came out a lot stronger, more determined, retained possession, and created chances. On 50 minutes Haines who 99 times out of 100 would have scored with ease, somehow shot wide of an open goal, then sub Kelly Henderson went to shoot after a good run but the ball bobbled and spooned wide.

Weymouth came close but Brimacombe blocked the first shot and Stevenson cleared off the line. Brimacombe then made a smart save from the resulting corner.

Launceston continued to press Jess Shirely winning everything in midfield, and one of her trademark tackles led to the ball finding Louisa Crick who crossed but Lucy Bounsall and Henderson were both just short of connecting.

The Clarets lost Fiona Stevenson to injury, Ali Tilley came on and her pass set up Henderson on 70 minutes but her shot was blocked. At the other end Vicky Pett made a crucial last ditch tackle to deny a goal.

Weymouth caught Launceston on the break, Sarah Guymer made a good first challenge but Weymouth players streamed forward and a cross from the right on 82 minutes saw the Weymouth striker smash into the top corner from eight yards.

Launceston looked out on their feet, but credit to them they continued to press for the equaliser, Evans had two shots blocked, on 85 minutes.

With all but Pett and Brimacombe forward Weymouth pounced and despite the best efforts of Crick, Pett and Brimacombe Weymouth added a second with a close range tap in.

Louise Dart made her long awaited debut, following six months out, replacing the shattered Guymer. Dart's free kick from the halfway line provided Haines with a chance but she shot wide, Evans, Henderson, and Bounsall had chances but could not break through.

It was a disappointing result, but a lot was learnt and there were many positives to take from the game particularly the second half performance and the performance of Margaret Brimacombe who showed what a good 'keeper she is. Julie O'keefe, Sharon Medland return next week, Nicola Pike is definitely out, and Racheal Medland is a doubt.

On Wednesday (February 18) Launceston have six ladies in the South West Women's League representative side playing Somerset at Taunton, congratulations to Fiona Stevenson, Louisa Crick, Sharon Medland, Jess Shirely, Lucy Bounsall and Vicky Pett.