Rangecroft's brace earns Launceston a priceless point

LAUNCESTON ended a difficult week, which had seen the resignation of first team manager Simon Minett and his coaching staff following Tuesday night’s heavy defeat to Dobwalls, on a positive note as they took a deserved point from Saturday’s trip to Falmouth Town Reserves.

Dylan Rangecroft, playing in a more advanced role than usual, gave the Clarets an early lead with a fine 20-yard drive.

The home team soon levelled when Jak Davies turned in a right-wing cross, and the same man then ran clear on the right to beat Howie Evans from the edge of the penalty area and give his side a 25th minute lead.

The Clarets were competing well and shortly before half-time Rangecroft showed real composure to take a Tom Manuel through ball in his stride and score from 20 yards.

Launceston ended the first half on the front foot, with home keeper Oliver Coles-Smith working overtime to keep the Clarets out. The lively Kaiet Rasche was prominent in many of their better attacks.

The Clarets came under pressure in the second half, with Owen Davies and Tom Bullock both collecting bookings, but the side continued to pose an attacking threat whenever possible.

Home striker Levi Hilling blazed over from 10 yards but, as time ran out, Lee Robinson also snatched at a good chance to earn Launceston a rare away victory.

However, this was a much-improved display by the Clarets who showed real energy and commitment to earn a precious away point and end a run of five straight defeats.

LAUNCESTON: Howie Evans; Sam Tattersall, Taylor Davey, Tom Manuel, Jude Jago, Tom Bullock, Ryan Dawe, Dylan Rangecroft, Lee Robinson, Owen Davies, Kaiet Rasche. Subs: Kevin Hatch, George Davey, Mike Steele.

JOSH Down’s early cracker wasn’t quite enough to force victory as Holsworthy were held to a 1-1 draw by mid-table Helston Athletic at Upcott Field on Saturday.

The Magpies had earned a share of the spoils at Camelford in midweek despite being pegged back late on after Ben Sharpe’s opener, and there were two changes to the starting line-up as Down and Chris Wildern came in for winger Owen Lauderdale and Gabe Rutter.

On a grey day in Devon, the hosts started well and five minutes took the lead as good play down the left saw Sharpe send the ball across from the left where Down struck a fine shot on the slide into the top corner to give keeper Piran Jones no chance.

But Helston’s youngsters are coming into some form and levelled as a ball over right-back Jeff Anglia found winger Josh Daniel who cut inside and beat Ryan Chadwick.

Both sides had half chances up to the interval, and after the break it was tight for long spells.

A big moment arrived on 75 minutes as home skipper Jedd Peschke appeared to have slotted in following a free-kick, but the referee had seen his handball and sent him for an early shower having already been yellowed.

The rest of the game played off without much incident as both teams settled for a point.

HOLSWORTHY: Ryan Chadwick; Jeff Anglia, Jedd Peschke (capt), Callum Martyn, George King; Josh Down, Rory Simmons, Gavin Carter; Sam Lynam, Ben Sharpe, Chris Wildern. Subs: Gabe Rutter, George Plumb, Aaron Hart.

Magpies’ man-of-the-match: Rory Simmons.