Tuesday, October 22

Kitchen Kit South West Peninsula League Premier West

St Austell 2

A THREADBARE Launceston side gave table-topping St Austell an almighty scare under the Pennygillam lights last night before eventually succumbing to two late goals, writes David Harrison.

Due to a combination of injury, illness and unavailability, the Clarets were missing four first team regulars, resulting in first SWPL starts in defence for St Piran League regulars Brandon Stott and Gareth Jones. Both responded superbly in an impressive all-round Launceston performance.

The Clarets were under pressure right from the kick-off but the defence, well marshalled by skipper Josh McCabe and goalkeeper Josh Colwill, held firm.

Colwill made a superb double save after 18 minutes but was powerless when the rebound eventually fell to striker George Tucker 15 yards out. Fortunately the St Austell man could only fire wildly over and the Clarets survived.

With the side under intense pressure, both Colwill and Jones received early yellow cards but despite only being able to offer a limited attacking threat of their own, the Clarets reached the interval with the score-sheet blank.

With a solid platform on which they could build, Launceston came out after the break determined to pose problems for the Lillywhites. Mike Steele dribbled past three defenders before feeding Tom Ellacott who was just unable to keep the resultant shot down.

Ruben Kane was working hard in attack, with good support from Mark Elvidge and the tireless Ellacott. Nevertheless the Clarets were unable to break down the miserly St Austell defence, breached only once in their last four games and averaging less than one goal conceded in all games this season.

The effort expended by the Clarets was starting to tell and the visitors took full advantage by utilising their strong bench. Substitute Jack Hooper hit the post with Colwill beaten, before Jake Miller eventually made the breakthrough in the 76th minute with a ferocious ten-yard drive giving the Launceston keeper no chance.

The prolific Hayden Turner should have added to the lead almost immediately but was inches wide from close range. However the same man wrapped up the points in the 82nd minute with a tremendous finish from an acute angle.

The Clarets will play worse than this and win while St Austell, now seven points clear at the top of the league, are guaranteed to be involved when the end-of-season silverware is handed out.

Launceston are hosting the FA County Youth Cup tie between Cornwall and Jersey on Saturday (7pm).

The first team return to action at Pennygillam on Tuesday (October 29) with an attractive League Cup second-round tie against local rivals Holsworthy (7.30pm).

The next home league game will see St Blazey visit next Saturday (November 2, 3pm).

Launceston —

Colwill; Riddell, McCabe (captain), Jones, Stott; Guild, Steele, Elcock; Ellacott (Johnson, 82), Elvidge, Kane.

Substitute: Johnson.