Tuesday, September 24

Cornwall Charity Cup (first-round)

St Austell 2

SUBSTITUTE Sam Watts slotted home the winner as Launceston came from 2-0 down to knock high-flying St Austell out of the Cornwall Charity Cup, writes David Harrison.

On a wet and windy night, the game was slow to get going as both sides initially struggled with the conditions. The visitors gradually assumed a measure of control with Clarets keeper Josh Colwill working overtime to keep them out.

Launceston looked likely to reach the break without conceding until Matt Searle bundled home a 43rd minute cross to edge the Lillywhites in front.

With the rain getting heavier, the game burst into life immediately after half-time. Cam Turner curled a superb shot over and beyond Colwill to put the visitors 2-0 in front, only for Head to unleash a 20-yard drive that beat Jason Chapman and flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

Clarets boss Gary Jeffery had introduced fresh legs in the form of Charley Skilton at the break and the young midfielder became increasingly influential as the half progressed.

Colwill continued to perform heroics to stop the visitors adding to their lead, with one last-ditch save from Ben Waters leaving the striker visibly stunned.

Gradually though the impetus shifted and the Clarets squared the game after 70 minutes, from an unexpected source. Defender Dan Metherell ventured upfield for a corner and was on hand to nudge the ball onto a post and into the net.

Within three minutes the Clarets took the lead with a superb goal. Full-back Charlie Hardcastle reached the by-line, looked up and picked out substitute Sam Watts with an accurate cross. The striker crashed a 10-yard drive past the helpless Chapman.

Launceston safely saw out time to clinch a memorable victory after a tremendous end-to-end game.

An away clash at Newquay in the last eight is Launceston’s reward on Tuesday, November 26.

Saturday, September 28

Kit Kitchen South West Peninsula League Premier West

Porthleven A

Launceston A

LAUNCESTON looked set for just their second away win of 2019 at Porthleven on Saturday until the weather intervened, causing referee Kevin Knowles to abandon the game, writes David Harrison.

Steady rain fell throughout the first-half but only towards the break did conditions deteriorate. The players left the field at half-time but the officials soon returned and, after a brief inspection, judged the surface unplayable.

At that stage only a small area of standing water was visible but the heavy rain showed no sign of abating and the game was called off, leaving the Clarets to contemplate another 135-mile round trip for the rescheduled fixture.

Launceston were well on top and had built a 3-1 lead, all four goals coming in a remarkable five-minute spell midway through the half.

Midfielder Denham Guild put the Clarets in front with a stunning 30-yard drive into the top corner, only for Charlie Young to level things up within a minute.

Ruben Kane restored Launceston’s lead before Clarets keeper Josh Colwill launched a clearance that bounced once before soaring over the head of his opposite number, Ethan Fearn. Colwill’s stunning long-range effort suggested, despite the conditions, there wasn’t much wrong with the bounce of the ball.

However the game was abandoned and will need to be replayed, on Easter Monday, meaning the goalkeeper’s strike will not be recorded.

Gary Jeffery’s improving squad head back down the A30 on Saturday for a big test against title-chasing Helston Athletic (3pm).