A GOAL in each half from striker Tom Ellacott saw Launceston pick up a crucial victory at Bodieve Park, writes David Harrison.

The Clarets travelled to Wadebridge on Saturday looking to get their season back on track following last week’s disappointing 3-1 loss at St Dennis.

A win at Bodieve Park would also complete a first SWPL double of the season for Launceston, following October’s 3-1 victory at Pennygillam.

After a tentative opening, the game burst into life in the 14th minute. Bridgers front man Andy Butler beat Clarets keeper Archie Walsh, only to see his shot crash against the post. However the Clarets stormed upfield and Ellacott forced home keeper Rob Rosevear into a smart sprawling block.

Launceston were settling nicely into the game and the lively Marius Pislaru was inches over with a 20-yard snap-shot. The first goal arrived in the 24th minute and it was the Clarets who opened the scoring. Pislaru made a darting run across the penalty area only for his legs to be clipped by full-back Lewis Prince. There was little intent but referee Paul Kempen had no alternative but to award the penalty. Ellacott, on a fine goalscoring run, confidently drove the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Just as the Clarets looked to be heading into the break holding a precious lead, the hosts struck back with a simple 44th minute equaliser. Rangy striker Matt Lloyd outjumped the Launceston defence and, from very close range, nodded in a right-wing corner. On the balance of play, it was a goal the home team just about deserved.

After a cagey first-half, the game opened right up after the break although the Clarets’ defence, under the supervision of skipper Josh McCabe, did well to limit Wadebridge to just a handful of opportunities. With Andrew Elcock and the tireless Denham Guild dominating midfield, Launceston were looking the likelier winners.

It took until the 72nd minute but when Launceston’s second goal arrived, it was a fine effort. Pislaru got round the back of the Bridgers defence, looked up and picked out Ellacott with an accurate pass. The top scorer gleefully rammed in a 12-yard drive before being engulfed by delighted team-mates. 

The Clarets brought on Arnold Rumbete, Reece Hendrickson and Liam Downing as the heavy pitch took a toll, but despite seven minutes of added time, Launceston closed out the game to bring home all three points.

The win lifted the Clarets ahead of their hosts in the SWPL table and set them up nicely for Saturday’s trip to Callington Town (3pm).