LAUNCESTON manager Simon Minett wants the Clarets to ‘manage games better’ following their defeat to Callington Town in South West Peninsula League Premier West on Saturday.

After Shae Cardiff headed the Clarets in front inside two minutes, the hosts rode their luck at times but looked on course for a morale-boosting victory as they look to pull further clear of bottom side Dobwalls who lost at leaders Liskeard Athletic on Boxing Day.

However, once George Soper equalised with just under 20 minutes to go, Cally took advantage as Soper floated in a slightly fortuitous second which was added to in stoppage-time by sub Evan Barnes who beat Howie Evans from 15 yards.

Minett said: “I was happy with how we started, and although we had to weather a spell of pressure, I felt we grew more again towards the end of the first half which probably came to an end at the wrong time for us.”

However, the former St Dennis and Bodmin Town boss was wasn’t as happy with the second stanza.

He continued: “In the second half I felt we surrendered space too easily and allowed Cally to take control.

“I wasn’t happy with the free-kicks given which led to their first and second goals as I felt on both occasions there were fouls on our players in the build-up.

“But that said, we needed to do better with those goals and then their third was a breakaway as we committed to try and get the equaliser.

“Overall Cally probs shaded the chances and deserved the win, so we need to show more experience in those situations and learn to manage games better.”

Launceston have struggled recently on home turf, and Minett knows it needs to improve.

He said: “We’ve thrown away winning positions in our last three home games and it’s something the lads need to learn from.”

The Clarets are back in action on Saturday with a crucial trip to Helston to tackle second bottom Truro City Reserves who are three points behind with both having played 16 of their 30 fixtures.