Sunday, April 29

Launceston Cup semi-final played at Launceston Football Club

Boscastle 2

Lanreath 3

DEFENDING champions Boscastle were knocked out of the Launceston Cup by Lanreath Reserves on Sunday as they failed to set up a second consecutive final against Dobwalls.

Boscastle are riding high in Division One of the JJ Jones and Sons Duchy League and would have been confident of setting up a rematch with the Liskeard-based club on Sunday, May 13 (6pm).

However, Lanreath Reserves, who are two leagues below the North Cornwall side and sitting third bottom, put in an excellent performance to shock Robin Haddy’s men.

Lanreath played with a strong wind at their backs in the first-half and took the lead after nine minutes when Matt Baker cut in from right-wing to rifle a shot beyond Luke Dingle in the Boscastle goal. Having taken the lead, the village side grew in confidence and played some good football, pressing Boscastle back on the defensive, with the holders struggling to create any chances during the rest of the half.

Lanreath scored again four minutes after the break as Josh Austin placed a left-footed drive into the bottom corner.

The Division One side then raised their game to try and get back into the contest and were soon awarded a penalty, which skipper Rob Heal converted with aplomb, as he sent Peter James the wrong way.

However, any hopes of a comeback suffered a serious blow just five minutes later as Connor Bone picked out Jordi Barton with a crossfield pass, before Barton ran through and beat the Dingle with a well-placed shot.

Dingle kept the scoreline respectable as he made two excellent one-on-one saves before Boscastle again got back in it.

A high bouncing ball played forward was met first by striker Martin Heal, and his delicate header dropped over the stranded James.

Lanreath then fought valiantly to hold onto their lead and closed out the game to reach the final in their first ever appearance in the competition.