Saturday, August 31

FA Vase (first qualifying round)

LAUNCESTON exited the FA Vase at the first stage on Saturday, coming up against a resolute Cheddar outfit.

The Somerset visitors, flying high in the Western League Division One, were making their first visit to Pennygillam and clearly demonstrated the confidence brought by a 100% league record.

The Clarets were short at the back, missing suspended skipper Josh McCabe and defensive midfielder James Bradley, but came into the game off the back of a greatly improved midweek showing at St Austell.

The opening stages were cagey, with both sides looking to establish some measure of midfield control. Cheddar’s Adam Wright spooned a close-range shot over the bar but generally the Clarets were competing well, without creating any clear openings.

The visitors moved in front after 23 minutes. The speedy James Difford went clear up the wing and pulled back an accurate cross, allowing Adam Jones to pick his spot from ten yards.

Launceston were struggling to build meaningful possession although full-back Charlie Hardcastle made a series of dangerous breaks down the left. On the other wing, Tom Ellacott escaped his marker but the resultant cross was blocked.

Josh Colwill made two good saves to deny the dangerous Wright and the Clarets did well to reach the break trailing by just a single goal.

The hosts started the second-half brightly and briefly threatened an equaliser, but Cheddar pulled further clear in the 53rd minute. A fine passing movement involving Rick Bennett and Kris Bell saw the latter place an accurate drive past Colwill and into the far corner of the net. It was a well-taken goal and one the visitors just about deserved.

In the next attack Wright looked to have added a third, only for Colwill to throw himself to his left and touch the shot onto the crossbar.

Manager Gary Jeffery introduced attackers Sam Watts and Travis Skerton in a bid to wrest control away from the visitors, but the Clarets, up against a resolute defence, were unable to fashion any clear chances.

Jack Lee and Skerton both saw good efforts fly narrowly wide but it wasn’t to be Launceston’s day. Cheddar deservedly progress in the competition but will face a tough task when they entertain Western League Premier side Tavistock in the next round.

The Clarets, who have will now concentrate on climbing the SWPL Premier West table, starting with the short trip to Trefrew Park on Saturday, to face local rivals Camelford (3pm).