LOUIS Taylor’s brace secured Launceston a vital first win of the season in South West Peninsula League Premier West on Saturday with a 2-0 success over promoted Hayle.

The Clarets were back at Pennygillam four days after the unfortunate late loss to Holsworthy and were boosted by the return of centre-back Jude Jago following a short spell at Elburton Villa.

The Clarets were on the front foot immediately, with the prolific Lee Robinson leading the attack, alongside strike partner Kian Berry.

The game’s first major incident occurred after 39 minutes when referee Leigh Michael judged that Hayle winger Kieran Rennard had been brought down inside the area. However Howie Evans maintained his fine record when facing spot-kicks, by diving low to his right and pushing the ball away.

Robinson had been the game’s key figure, with the visiting defence unable to handle his powerful running, but when the Clarets finally opened the scoring soon after the break, it was Taylor who broke the deadlock having been played in by Robinson.

Evans had to tip a tremendous 25-yard Curtis Smith free-kick onto the crossbar, but generally the Clarets were in control.

Launceston needed a second goal and it duly arrived after 82 minutes with the lively Taylor once again responsible. This time he scampered down the right wing and beat keeper Caleb Hendy high on his near post.

Robinson and Berry had run the visiting defence ragged but it was young Taylor who got his name on the scoresheet.

Boss Simon Minett felt the victory had been coming and praised his side, saying: “There were loads of positives to take from the Holsworthy game which I felt we were incredibly unlucky to not get anything out of and we took that into Saturday.

“The first half was a tight affair and credit must go to our keeper Howie Evans who made an outstanding penalty save to keep it 0-0. But with chances missed in the half, I felt both sides going in at half-time all square was a fair reflection.

“We spoke about needing to take chances and be more ruthless, and again really had some good opportunities, although so did Hayle. But eventually we strung together a good move for well-taken goal from Louis which gave us that bit of belief then. We needed to capitalise on this as 1-0 is a dangerous scoreline, but fortunately got the second goal which had quite a bit of fortune to it for Louis, with a cross-shot that went in. But it's luck we felt over the previous games we more than deserved.”

He continued: “Credit to Hayle, they never gave up and were a decent side who we look forward to visiting later in the season.

“However, we must capitalise on this result now and hopefully keep pushing on.

“I must also mention the minute’s silence beforehand for Alan Bradley’s wife Viv. Alan is a fantastic man and both himself and his late wife have given a lot for this football club, so that result was for Alan and Viv.”

Launceston, who moved up to 10th, welcome mid-table Helston Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

LAUNCESTON: Howie Evans; Sam Tattersall, Dylan Rangecroft, Tom Manuel, Jude Jago, Denham Guild, George Bills, Louis Taylor, Lee Robinson, Sonny Dover, Kian Berry. Subs: Ryan Dawe, Danny Mitchell, George Davey, Spencer Guest.

Clarets’ man-of-the-match: Lee Robinson.