By David Harrison

LAUNCESTON completed their first team pre-season programme last week, in advance of the opening South West Peninsula League fixtures which get underway on Saturday with a trip to Holsworthy in Premier Division East.

The Clarets took on Plymstock United at Pennygillam on Tuesday evening in what proved another worthwhile friendly.

Two early goals put the Clarets 2-0 in front but the visitors fought back strongly to level just after the interval.

Jude Jago, back at the club following a spell at Helston Athletic, restored the advantage with a well-placed looping header to seal another good Launceston victory, in what had been an entertaining game.

On Saturday the firsts travelled to face SWPL Premier Division East rivals Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police. The squad returned having recorded another encouraging 3-2 victory.

The Clarets fell 2-0 behind during the first half which led to joint managers Neil Price and Simon Minett making a series of changes at the break.

The side fought back strongly in the second half to level the score at 2-2, before young midfielderGabe Rutter marked his Launceston debut by grabbing the winner.

Following last week's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Okehampton, that made it three consecutive friendly wins for the Clarets as they prepare for their opener at Holsworthy (3pm) who finished seventh last term.

Launceston then travel to Wadebridge on Wednesday, August 13 (7.45pm) before making their first league appearance back at Pennygillam a week later (7.30pm) when Millbrook will be the visitors.

Meanwhile Launceston Reserves played their first pre-season game on Saturday, prior to the start of the new St Piran League Division One East season.

A team primarily comprising last season's Development squad put up a good show against a more experienced and physically stronger Kilkhampton outfit, and despite the final 5-0 scoreline, the young Clarets will have learned plenty.