By David Harrison at Pennygillam

SWPL PREMIER WEST

Launceston 2 Wadebridge Town 2

THE Clarets opened up a two-goal lead at Pennygillam on Saturday only, for the second consecutive week, to see the advantage slip away.

Seven days earlier it was Camelford who turned the game upside down to claim all three points while this time the beneficiaries were Wadebridge who left with a draw.

The Clarets included Jason Hoar, making his first team debut, alongside Alex Parnell at the back. However they were missing Andy Watkins, Denham Guild, Jordan Stidson and Ollie Northam, a late withdrawal.

Launceston started brightly and took a seventh minute lead through Kian Berry who chased down an under-hit back pass before finishing calmly.

The Clarets doubled their lead after 37 minutes when Ben Harrison’s driven cross was diverted past helpless Bridgers keeper Rob Rosevear by skipper Sam Gerken.

Launceston needed to consolidate their lead but, as has happened so often this season, they conceded almost immediately. Former Claret James Hamson scored with a well-struck long-range effort to make the half-time score 2-1.

The visitors came flying out after the break and were level within 10 minutes when a loose ball was poked into the roof of the net from a crowded penalty area.

Both sides pressed for a late winner but an entertaining game ended all-square.

For the Clarets, Berry posed a threat up front while Ham worked tirelessly in midfield. Parnell and Hoar kept the prolific Kyle Flew under control until Hoar was forced off with a nasty head injury that necessitated a lengthy stoppage.

LAUNCESTON: Liam Hill, Ryan Dawe, Josh Harris, Mike Steele (capt), Jason Hoar, Alex Parnell, Jaden Wood, Ben Harrison, Jake Ham, Kian Berry, Lucas Preston

. Subs: Tom Bullock, Josh Chidley, Matt Gilmour, Cam Bailey .

Clarets’ man-of-the-match: Jake Ham
.