RYAN Downing’s hat-trick against his hometown club gave Camelford a 3-2 victory at North Cornwall rivals Launceston on Saturday.

The well-travelled attacker firstly levelled four minutes before half-time from the spot after Mike Steele’s early penalty given for a handball when blocking a free-kick. Home centre-half Jude Jago was given a second yellow card for the foul on Liam Higgins for Camelford’s spot-kick.

Downing’s brilliant breakaway goal put the Camels back in front on the hour before a stunning Kian Berry solo effort 10 minutes later where he ran from near halfway before arrowing a shot into the corner, looked to have given the struggling Clarets a vital point.

But Downing ran into the box in the fourth minute of injury-time and went down when confronted by goalkeeper Howie Evans, who made a series of fine saves including tipping a Downing 25-yard free-kick which he tipped on to the bar, and Shaun Edge pointed to the spot.

Downing then kept his cool as Camelford stay eighth, although just three points behind third-placed Penzance.

Launceston boss Simon Minett praised his side’s effort.

He said: “I thought we started the game really well, but unfortunately a mistake from Jude left the official no choice but to send him off, which meant a real uphill struggle in the second half.

“A really tough set of fixtures over the last few weeks meant that the tanks were dry, but I can only applaud my players for the effort and desire they showed in the second half.

“I felt a few decisions went against us second half, including two penalty appeals for us, and then at the end their player gave the referee a decision to make which he did.

“But take nothing away from Camelford, Bobby (Hopkinson) has them playing some nice stuff.”

Hopkinson felt his side were always in command.

He said: “I always felt it was a case of when we’d win the game, rather than if.

“To Launceston’s credit, particularly in the first half, they caused us a few problems from free-kicks and closed us down well.

“But once they went down to 10 men it was always going to be difficult for them.

“They did defend well and made us work for it, but we got the three points in the end.”

Hopkinson also had his say on the signing of goalkeeper Cory Harvey who has replaced Josh Colwill who has moved to Australia.

He said: “Josh left a big hole to fill, particularly after his performances in the last year or so, but once I found out Cory was available it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“He really suits the style of play I’m trying to implement and has a great character on and off the pitch.”

LAUNCESTON: Howie Evans; Sam Tattersall, Taylor Davey, Joe Moynan, Jude Jago, Tom Manuel, Ryan Dawe, Mike Steele (capt), Joe Jasper, Will Gilbert, Alfie Fothergill. Subs: Kian Berry, Jack Stephens, Denham Guild, Archie Wall.

CAMELFORD: Cory Harvey; Sam Watts, Dan Hocking, Tom Crowe, Cam Bidgood; Kenley Dyson, Jacob Ham, Andy Boxall (capt); Joseph Parr, Ryan Downing, Liam Higgins. Subs: Olly Taylor, Ross Beare, Josh Harris, Mark Gusterson, Shae Cardiff.

Men-of-the-match: Launceston – Howie Evans; Camelford – Ryan Downing.