Tuesday, August 14
Carlsberg South West Peninsula League
Premier Division
Saltash United 4
LAUNCESTON had the misfortune to run into one of the title favourites as they opened their 2018/19 league campaign at Pennygillam with a 4-1 defeat at home to Saltash United.
The visiting Ashes had won their previous seven competitive games, including a fine FA Cup victory over Western League Premier side Odd Down three days previously.
But Launceston took the game to the visitors and grabbed a shock 5th minute lead as Charlie Hardcastle floated over a free-kick from the left, which the prolific Sam Davey met perfectly, powering his header past keeper Ryan Rickard and into the net.
Saltash came roaring back and equalised after 15 minutes when Richard Maddison fired home. They were soon in front when a Sam Farrant cross was volleyed home by Ashes dangerman Ryan Richards.
Davey was close to squaring things up but fired inches over, before the visitors effectively killed the game just before half-time.
First Richards scored with a precise chip over Colwill, and then, deep into injury time, Sam Hughes made it 4-1 with a powerful finish.
The Clarets fought back well after the break as league debutant Tom Savigar fired inches wide before a rasping Jordan Walton free-kick was deflected onto the crossbar with Rickard well beaten.
Saturday, August 18
Carlsberg South West Peninsula League
Premier Division
Godolphin Atlantic 1
Launceston 0
THE Clarets slipped to a disappointing defeat in their first away game of the league season, against Newquay-based Godolphin Atlantic.
Reece Thomson, Tallan Mitchell and Mike Burke had all made appearances from the bench during Tuesday’s defeat against Saltash United, but all three started as the new managerial team of Mike Walton and Mark Blake opted for a 3-5-2 formation.
The first period saw chances at a premium, but the Clarets suffered a blow when goalkeeper Josh Colwill sustained a groin injury just before half-time and had to be replaced by Tom Watson.
The game opened up after the break and home keeper Ethan Fearn was soon at full stretch to keep out a well-struck Ruben Kane effort.
A generally uneventful affair burst into life as the game entered the final 15 minutes.
Tom Savigar shot inches over before a 75th minute midfield tussle saw Godolphin’s Elliott Simcox dismissed for a second yellow card after a flailing arm caught Jordan Walton, who was also cautioned in the incident.
Launceston, with substitute Callum Watson pulling the strings in midfield, looked to stretch the game against what soon became nine men after Godolphin striker Jamie Lowry limped off, with all three substitutes having been used.
But despite creating any number of chances, the Clarets were unable to beat the impressive Fearn. And then, deep into injury-time with Launceston committed to attack, Godolphin full-back Ashley Bradshaw broke away and added insult to injury by firing across Watson into the far corner.
Launceston will play worse than this and win, but will hope for their first points of the season when Ivybridge Town visit Pennygillam on Saturday (3pm).
Mortgage Advice Bureau East Cornwall Premier League
Premier Division
Wadebridge Town 2
Launceston 5
(Ellacott, Webber, Loosemore, Aldridge, Hatch)