THIS was a much more even contest than six weeks ago when Saltash came to Pennygillam! writes Liam Dart.

In the opening minutes fine work by Jess Shirley, Jill Haines and Margaret Brimacombe led to a golden opportunity but Ali Tilley shot just over.

Saltash raised their game and the team which consists of six or seven 6 foot+ girls showed their power and clinically took the lead on 15 minutes. A fine ball from the Sam Drewery to Coral Smith saw Smith take a touch and shoot back across Julie O'Keefe into the corner.

Launceston already having Ria Tilley and Lucy Bounsall out injured and four players carrying knocks lost Chelle Bowden to injury on 20 minutes. But Launceston dug in and created chances, Brimacombe who had an excellent game caused the Saltash back line numerous problems and her hold up play and fine ball saw Haines through on goal but a magnificent save from the 'keeper denied her.

Brimacombe and Haines both went close again before a Drewery free kick saw Saltash increase their lead with a free header at the back post.

In the second half Launceston pushed on led by Shirley, Brimacombe and Haines but were unable to get past the Saltash back line and 'keeper, and when they did through a Kelly Henderson goal (who ran through from right back) the 12 year old linesman flagged for offside when the ball hit the back of the net! The referee gave the goal but after consultation with the linesman disallowed it but was unable to tell us who was off side.

As Launceston pushed on with the introduction of Rebecca Chidley and Louisa Crick Saltash had chances on the break but they were denied on four or five occasions, by Amy Hooper, Sarah Guymer, Sharon Medland and Kelly Henderson, and Julie O'Keefe who made an outstanding double save to deny Smith.

At the other end Pett and Stevenson created chances for Haines and Chidley but they couldn't get through. At the end of the game both teams were shattered from a energetic encounter. The county cup final on the 19th will be an interesting game despite Saltash seen as clear favourites by many!