GARY Jeffery’s new-look Launceston side opened their 2019/20 campaign with a pair of split-squad friendlies over the weekend.

Their task on Friday night could hardly have been tougher — a trip to Bolitho Park to face Western League title favourites Plymouth Parkway.

Jeffery handed debuts to former Bude Town brothers Billy and Harry Hopcroft, as well as defender Matt Thackeray, signed from Elburton Villa. The game also saw the welcome reappearance of former Claret Josh McCabe, returning to the club following a successful spell at Torpoint Athletic.

Parkway arrived fresh from a resounding 7-0 victory over Launceston’s fellow SWPL Premier West side Callington Town. The majority of Friday’s starting line-up were regulars last season when Parkway were denied the Western League title by Willand Rovers, falling just a single point short of securing Southern League football.

The Clarets started brightly on a perfect surface, playing some attractive passing football. However greater sharpness in front of goal saw the home team move decisively in front as Launceston struggled to match their hosts for match fitness.

The combative Shane Krac put Parkway in front after 18 minutes and his effort was followed by strikes from the towering Adam Carter, Mikey Williams and impressive former Plymouth Argyle and Truro City man, Billy Palfrey.

When Carter added a fifth, with a sublime 48th-minute volley, a heavy defeat looked on the cards. However the Clarets rallied well and Harry Hopcroft reduced the arrears following a cleverly worked free-kick routine.

The final score of 5-1 was harsh on the Clarets side who contributed in full to an enjoyable and worthwhile friendly in the Devon sunshine.

Twenty-four hours later Launceston fielded a much-changed side on the Argyle 3G surface at Manadon. This time they faced Duchy Premier League side Gunnislake.

On a sweltering afternoon, the Clarets took time to settle against tough opponents, being held to just a 2-1 advantage at the interval, before cruising to a 6-2 victory.

Launceston scorers were Travis Skerton, impressive debutant Dan Hart, Dan Metherell, Tom Ellacott, Billy Hopcroft and Skerton again who rounded off the scoring.

Jeffery was delighted with an excellent weekend’s work and saw plenty of positives with which to work, as his side build up to the opening league fixture, at home to village outfit Sticker on Friday, August 9 (7.30pm).

The Clarets next appear in a five-team tournament this coming Saturday at Tavistock’s Langsford Park ground (July 13), with the action starting at midday.