LAUNCESTON stepped up the intensity of their pre-season build-up with a commanding display which saw Devon League Plymstock United handed a resounding 5-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon.

Once again playing on the Plymouth Argyle 3G surface at Manadon, the Clarets fell behind to a freakish eighth minute own goal.

But from there on, Gary Jeffery’s developing side were dominant in every department.

With the excellent Dan Hart controlling things in midfield, chances came at regular intervals and it was a matter of time before the Clarets turned possession into goals. Tom Ellacott equalised after 20 minutes before Morgan Parsonage opened his Launceston account with a well-timed run and finish.

Ellacott, enjoying a fine pre-season, made it 3-1 just before the interval, converting an accurate Jack Lee cross to put the Clarets firmly in control.

Parsonage added his second in the 53rd minute before an Ellacott effort was deflected past the despairing Plymstock keeper to round off the scoring.

Manager Jeffery was pleased with his side’s performance, adding: “I thought we bossed the midfield throughout, with both Tom and Morgan lively up-front. Charlie Hardcastle and James Bradley were particularly good, but generally I was delighted with how well we moved the ball around.”

The Clarets make their first local appearance of the season tonight (7.30pm) when they make the short trip to Upcott Field to face SWPL Premier East newcomers Holsworthy, who were in action twice last week.

Launceston Reserves lost their opening pre-season game 2-1 at St Cleer.

On Tuesday night they fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to Camelford despite leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Harry Stevens and Wes Pugh.

Eventually the Camels, playing their first game of the season, regrouped and halved the deficit when the influential Adam Sleep volleyed in new signing Jack Lawrence’s cross.

Ed Harrison made it all square from the penalty spot before Lawrence rounded off his first appearance for the club by slotting home the winner.

Holsworthy played twice more last week.

On Thursday they won 3-1 at Bude Town thanks to a Tudor Placinta hat-trick before welcoming fellow North Devon club Barnstaple Town, who ply their trade in Division One South and West of the Southern League on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors dominated proceedings and led 4-0 at half-time before Harry Stevens continued his brilliant pre-season form by scoring twice either side of Barum’s fifth. The game ended 5-2 to the visitors.