CAMELFORD boss Reg Hambly admitted Launceston ‘probably deserved the points’ after the Clarets won the North Cornwall derby 2-0 at Pennygillam on Saturday.

A tight encounter was opened up midway through the second half when Mike Steele slotted a hotly-disputed penalty home at the second attempt after a fine save, before Andy Watkins’ brilliant finish on the run ensured the points stayed with the Clarets.

But while Hambly had no problem stating his side didn’t get going in an attacking sense, he wasn’t best pleased with the decision of referee Lee Dudman to award a penalty against Ross Beare on sub Alfie Fothergill.

Hambly said: “I think both teams gave their all in a competitive fixture and there was not a great deal between them. 

“Defences were generally on top and I said at half-time that one goal might be enough to win it. Launceston took the lead through a debatable penalty, but their second from Andy Watkins was the killer, a fantastic strike that gave Josh no chance. 

“There wasn’t a lot of great football, but Launceston probably deserved the points for that 20-minute spell after half-time.”

The Camels had scored eight goals in their previous two games – wins against Truro City Reserves (5-1) and Bude Town – but rarely troubled Lewis Slade in the home net.

However, Hambly was quick to turn his attention to Saturday’s home game with Newquay at Trefrew Park (3pm).

He said: “It was disappointing that we didn’t really get going after recent performances, but the lads bounced back well from the Wadebridge defeat and we must do the same again with Newquay at home on Saturday. 

“They are another good side, we lost the away fixture but our home form has been very good recently and hopefully we can get back to winning ways.”

“But we know that Newquay are a good footballing side and we’re expecting an open game. Hopefully we can make better use of the ball when we’re in possession and create a few more chances than we did on Saturday.”

Hambly should have son Charlie back in midfield after a lengthy three-match suspension due to the weather, and full-back Tom Crowe, although Hambly admits he may have a dilemma at full-back.

He said: “Sam Watts was outstanding at full-back, deputising for the suspended Tom Crowe, and I thought he was our man of the match.”