By David Harrison at Pennygillam

WALTER C PARSON SWPL LEAGUE CUP (SECOND-ROUND)

Launceston 1 Bridport 5

LAUNCESTON were well beaten by an impressive Bees outfit at Pennygillam on Saturday in the League Cup.

The Dorset club, currently enjoying an impressive unbeaten run stretching back to August, were making their first-ever appearance at Pennygillam.

Launceston manager Neil Price was pleased to see James Close and Andy Watkins back from injury, while former Claret Sam Clifton made a welcome reappearance in midfield on dual-registration from St Blazey.

The game burst into life in the second minute when James Cox hit an accurate cross-shot past Lewis Slade and into the far corner, to put the visitors ahead. However Andy Watkins soon levelled the scores, turning in a Dan Clifton effort.

The first half was well contested and looked likely to finish level, only for Fred Parsons to edge the visitors in front with a fierce 20-yard drive just before the break.

The lively Solomon Ayunga put his side 3-1 ahead on the hour, but when Cox was subsequently shown a red card by referee Matthew Petherbridge, the Clarets looked to be right back in the game.

However Riley Weedon and Kieran Coombs added late goals for the dominant visitors as the Clarets lost their shape.

One bright spot for Launceston was an impressive display from promising teenage defender George Plumb.

Launceston’s next game will be back in the SWPL when they visit local rivals Camelford on Tuesday, October 22, a game where Price will hope to see several players return. Kick-off at Trefrew Park will be at 7.30pm.

LAUNCESTON: Lewis Slade (capt); Josh Harris, George Plumb, James Close, Jude Jago, Nick Salop, Sam Clifton, Jake Ham, Andy Watkins, Mark Elvidge, Dan Clifton. Subs: Ryan Dawe, Lewis Clarke, Aaron Hughes, Alex Parnell.

Clarets’ man of the match: George Plumb.