Tuesday, October 15

Kit Kitchen South West Peninsula League Premier West

Wadebridge Town 1

Launceston bounced right back to form at a wet Pennygillam on Tuesday evening, coming from behind to beat Wadebridge Town 3-1, writes David Harrison.

Both sides struggled to find the final pass during an even first-half, with the only goal coming from Wadebridge skipper Sam Gerken, who capitalised on some defensive uncertainty.

The Clarets were unfortunate to reach the interval a goal behind but came roaring out after the break and were in front inside five minutes.

In the 47th minute Ruben Kane controlled a long ball and cleverly made space for himself before drilling a low shot past Bridgers keeper Rob Rosevear.

Two minutes later defender Josh McCabe was the only man to anticipate Andrew Elcock’s accurate free-kick and the Launceston skipper headed firmly past Rosevear to double the lead.

The Clarets now had a real head of steam and added a third goal on the hour. Young midfielder Charley Skilton cleverly found space on the right and his accurate pass left Kane with a simple tap-in. 

Launceston played out the final half-hour with few alarms and substitute Sam Alfieri came closest to making it 4-1 when his 25-yard drive flew just over.

Saturday, October 19

Penzance 2

Launceston 2

LAUNCESTON made it four points in the space of as many days as they fought back from two goals down to draw at fellow strugglers Penzance, writes David Harrison.

The Clarets made the long trip to West Cornwall on the back of a much-needed 3-1 victory over Wadebridge Town, but made the worst possible start.

As early as the second minute referee Neil Rudkin pointed to the penalty spot after a clumsy defensive challenge. However Clarets keeper Josh Colwill plunged low to his right to make a fine save and deny Penzance striker Mark Vercesi.

The lesson wasn’t heeded and another penalty awarded, this time for handball, after eight minutes. Given a second chance, Vercesi made no mistake, ramming a firm drive past Colwill.

Things went from bad to worse and after 12 minutes the home team doubled their lead. Anton Oliver was left unmarked and rolled his shot past the horribly exposed Colwill.

The Clarets were being run ragged at this stage, struggling to get any sort of foothold in the face of a limited, but fully committed Penzance side.

Launceston put together their first attack of note midway though the half. Mike Steele fed Ruben Kane whose shot was well saved by home keeper Barrie Wyatt. After 28 minutes however the Clarets were right back in the game. Kane made space and his accurate 18-yard drive beat Wyatt on his near post.

The balance was shifting with the Magpies stopper working overtime to preserve his side’s lead. One tremendous double save, to deny the busy Kane on the stroke of half-time, was worthy of particular note.

The second-half opened in spectacular fashion. A corner wasn’t properly cleared and Launceston full-back Charlie Hardcastle thrashed the loose ball into the roof of the net to level the score at 2-2.

Penzance were reduced to ten men on the hour with a sin-bin dissent offence but the Clarets were unable to make their numerical advantage tell.

Back at full strength, Penzance regained composure, although Launceston continued to look the better side without creating the clear chance they needed.

From a last-minute breakaway, Jack Reynolds worked a clear chance for himself but the Penzance substitute somehow only found the side netting when it appeared easier to score.

So a game the Clarets should have won, but could easily have lost, ended in a draw.

Despite recovering from a two-goal deficit, Launceston will regard this as two points dropped.

Launceston —

Colwill; Riddell, McCabe (captain), Metherell, Hardcastle; Guild, Steele, Elcock; Ellacott (Walsh, 87), Kane, Watts (Johnson, 74).

Substitutes: Johnson, Walsh.