By David Harrison at Mount Wise

SWPL PREMIER WEST

Newquay 4 Launceston 0

WITH his side forced to play virtually every other day in order to complete their league programme, Launceston manager Neil Price had to strike a balance between fielding a competitive side, while taking into account player welfare last Thursday night.

He left out Andy Watkins and Lewis Young, while the influential George Beardsmore had suffered a season-ending injury against Truro.

Facing a tough task, a freak opening goal didn’t help as Coen Briggs’ mis-hit cross from wide on the left flew into the top corner.

On an uneven, drying surface, the Clarets were generally under pressure but still carved out some good openings. One fine move initiated by Jaden Wood and Jake Ham saw Josh Chidley lob a precise effort over home keeper Brodie Cole that landed squarely on his crossbar.

Clarets central defender Archie Wall then struck the same crossbar with a firm header.

A fair reflection of the half would have been 1-0, but in the final minute Alex Cole was allowed to run into the penalty area before dribbling around the helpless Slade and finding the net.

The Clarets were in damage limitation mode when the experienced Phil Lowry added a third Newquay goal after 55 minutes.

Denham Guild, Mike Steele and Josh Harris came off the Launceston bench and helped bolster the midfield alongside Jaden Wood who worked tirelessly throughout. The Clarets held out until injury-time when Cam Turner hit a probing through ball down the Newquay left. Lucas Preston ran on and beat Slade with a shot into the far corner.

LAUNCESTON: Lewis Slade; Mark Wilson, Morgan Jones, Jude Jago, Archie Wall; Josh Chidley, Jake Ham, Liam Raglan, Jaden Wood, Dan Clifton; Mark Elvidge. Subs: Ben Harrison, Josh Harris, Mike Steele, Denham Guild.

Clarets man of the match: Jaden Wood.