THE first half performance of 'keeps Nicola Pike ensured Launceston qualified for the semi-finals of the County Cup, writes Liam Dart.

In gale force conditions Launceston defended against the wind. St Agnes were alert and up for the game from the first minute. Launceston were on the back foot for large parts of the first half barring three or four corners in the Clarets' favour; and was it not for two 1v1 saves by Pike, and a brilliant tackle on the edge of her area the result may have been different.

Time and time again St Agnes applied pressure with Sarah Guymer sweeping up excellently, Chelle Bowden, Sharon Medland defended strongly and Louisa Crick constantly battling. All girls worked hard but it was tough going fighting the elements and the treat of St Agnes!

With the rain, hail, and wind slightly reduced in the second half it was a much different affair. Vicky Pett took control in midfield, with Julie O'Keefe and Lucy Bounsall battling in front of her.

Fiona Stevenson came into the game and Crick became a threat attacking the full back. It was her cross which allowed the battering ram of Margaret Brimacombe to tee up O'Keefe whose shot was blocked, and Jill Haines fired narrowly wide. Brimacombe, Haines, O'Keefe, all had further chances from Crick crosses but the St Agnes 'keeper made some fine saves.

The opening goal came on the hour, when Stevenson played inside to Pett, her 30 yard shot was spilled by the 'keeper and Haines dispatched.

Brimacombe had to come off through injury, and Ria Tilley came on. Tilley and Bounsall combined to send Crick away down the left she past two defenders before playing in Haines who fired home from 12 yards. Further chances for O'Keefe, Haines and Tilley were saved by the 'keeper. Sub Kelly Henderson then came close she skillfully went past three players before chipping the 'keeper from fully 35 yards, and the keeper somehow tipped the ball wide of the goal.

Ali Tilley came on for the first time since injury back in October, and Louise Dart was on the bench following cruciate knee ligament injury sustained back in August.

The Clarets showed great team spirit and battling qualities throughout, and got the result required in the end, despite being up against horrendous conditions in the first half.

Captain Jess Shirley returns next week to face Argyle away in the league, but unfortunately Amy Hooper looks set to be out for several months.

Launceston

KO Cup draw

THE Launceston and District Cup committee held a meeting on January 23 and the draw was made as follows:

Quarter Finals: 

Match (1) Lamerton v Altarnun; Match (2) Pensilva v Gunnislake. To be played March 15.

Match (3) St Dominick v Bude Town; Match (4) Bere Alston v Week St Mary. To be played March 22.

Semi-Finals: Winners (1) v Winners (2); Winners (3) v Winners (4). To be played in mid-April subject to ground availability at Pennygillam.