Saturday, January 18

South West Peninsula League Premier West

Liskeard Athletic 2

CAMELFORD were left to rue their inability to take early chances and several refereeing decisions as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to mid-table Liskeard Athletic at Trefrew Park.

The Camels started brightly with Josh Insley, Andy Boxall and Ed Harrison all going close, while visiting keeper Ollie Chenoweth, who was on the books of Plymouth Argyle as a youngster, was alert to deny Harrison.

Liskeard were battling away and took the lead through the prolific James Lorenz. Home goalkeeper Luke Gwillam threw the ball out to Matt Andrew who was surrounded by three players and appeared to be fouled, however the ball was played through to Lorenz who made no mistake.

The rest of the half passed off without too much incident.

Andy Boxall thought he’d drawn Camelford level after being set up by Harrison, but the linesman denied him, much to the hosts’ shock.

Liskeard doubled the lead with 15 minutes to go. Another throughball found the advancing Tom Cleveland who again appeared to be behind the last line of defence, but the flag stayed down and he was brought down by Gwillam, resulting in a spot-kick which was dispatched by Macauley Thorp.

Camelford continued to press and were denied a penalty of their own when Joe Reeve was seemingly tugged back, but again their appeals were waved away.

Manager Reg Hambly said: “Liskeard are a good side, and on the day probably played better than us. But we had the better chances and three key decisions go against us. A draw would have been a fair result.”

Hambly has also been boosted by the news that lynchpin Bobby Hopkinson could return soon.

The former Plymouth Argyle academy product, who has played for a number of local clubs, was on fire until suffering a broken leg and dislocated ankle at Falmouth Town back in October, but has recovered much quicker than anticipated.

Hambly said: “Bobby is back involved helping out with the warm-up and on the sidelines. Hopefully, all being well he’ll be back in four to six weeks. When he first did it I thought he could be out for a year but I’m hoping he’ll be back by March, I’m really pleased.

Such is Hopkinson’s talent, the 29-year-old scored a hat-trick against Wendron United totalling over 100 yards back in September, and Hambly admits it’ll give his side a timely boost.

He said: “He’s a big influence on the pitch, he holds the ball up really well and brings others into the game. He’s got a good football brain and gives us that bit of experience.”

Camelford are without a game this weekend, but host Falmouth Town next Saturday (3pm).

Launceston’s clash with Bodmin Town was called off, as was Callington Town’s crucial six-pointer at second bottom St Dennis.