Dover's tap-in keeps Launceston's momentum going

LAUNCESTON made it back-to-back victories as Sonny Dover’s late finish saw off Helston Athletic.

The Clarets were back at Pennygillam on Saturday, looking to build on the previous week’s hard-fought victory over Hayle, although boss Simon Minett was without hard-working striker Kian Berry.

The visitors made the early running with a series of Josh Daniels corners putting pressure on home keeper Howie Evans.

Energetic former Claret Ben Waters led the Helston attack but was generally kept quiet by the home defence, controlled by the commanding Jude Jago.

A well-contested half remained goalless with both defences holding firm, although Lee Robinson and Sonny Dover worked hard to create chances for the Clarets.

The experienced Matty Bye caused problems for the home defence with keeper Evans needing to be on his toes to deny dangerous striker Finn Costa.

For the visitors, the lively Daniels broke clear up the left wing only to over-hit his cross, while Launceston’s George Bills fired a bouncing effort just over the bar.

As the game entered the final stages, all three results remained possible as both sides strove to break the deadlock.

The Clarets won a late free-kick on the edge of the area, taken by midfielder Denham Guild. Visiting keeper Piran Jones dived low to block Guild’s well-struck effort but the ball ran to the alert Dover who gleefully rammed home the loose ball.

Referee Leigh Michael played an extended period of added time but the Clarets held on to lift themselves into the top ten of the SWPL table.

Reflecting on the victory, boss Simon Minett said: “After a good result against Hayle it was important collectively as a group we continued our good habits.

“We had quite a few players missing, especially in the centre of the pitch, so it was important some of the players that minutes have been limited so far stepped up and filled the gaps. “I felt first half we had plenty of chances with their keeper Piran Jones making some fantastic saves, although to be fair, Helston grew into the game themselves and had some good opportunities with Howie pulling off a sharp save.”

He continued: “I wasn't happy with some of the work-rate in the first half which we addressed at half-time. I felt the second half followed a similar pattern with both teams having chances, but just as the game was drawing to an end, up stepped Sonny. I was over the moon for him as a bad miss at Dobwalls had got to him a bit, but he’s a good player and that will kickstart him now.

“Overall, we were perhaps a bit fortunate as I felt a draw would have been a fair result, but with situations in other games this season not going our way we’ll take it.

“It’s just a shame we don't have a game this weekend to try and continue the momentum, but it gives us time to prepare for a tough away game at Penzance. But confidence in the camp is brewing and we will go down there off two wins and have a go.”

LAUNCESTON: Howie Evans; Ryan Dawe, Dylan Rangecroft, Tom Manuel, Jude Jago, Denham Guild, George Bills, Sam Tattersall, Lee Robinson, George Davey, Sonny Dover. Subs: Danny Mitchell, Kaiet Rasche, Luke Gibbons, Tom Bullock, Spencer Guest.

Clarets’ man-of-the-match: Dylan Rangecroft.