By David Harrison at Pennygillam

SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Launceston 1 Newquay 7

HIGH-FLYING Newquay visited Pennygillam on Saturday and underlined their title credentials with what became a crushing 7-1 victory.

However an upset had briefly looked on the cards as the Clarets took a shock lead through a superb eighth minute Kian Berry strike from 20 yards.

Neil Price’s patched-up side competed bravely for an hour before the impressive visitors showed their power in the second half and ended convincing winners.

Jacob Grange equalised after 15 minutes before the prolific Louis Price edged Newquay in front with a close-range effort

The Clarets soon came under intense pressure but defended bravely, with keeper Liam Hill handling well.

Newquay used the full width of the pitch to good effect, regularly bringing both wingers into play.

Launceston reached the interval trailing by just one goal but the pressure imposed by the new league leaders became relentless.

The critical goal arrived after 54 minutes. A disputed free-kick, which referee Edwin Bradshaw initially looked reluctant to give, was crashed home from 20 yards by Cam Turner, giving Hill no chance.

By now the Clarets had no answer to an impressive side looking to step up into the Western League next season. The visitors were ruthless in the final half-hour despite the best defensive efforts of Josh Harris and Co.

Callam Maconie, Grange with his second, skipper Harry Downing and finally Alex Cole all added late goals as Claret heads understandably dropped.

However Price’s squad will dust themselves down and prepare for next week’s big Pennygillam clash with local rivals Bodmin Town (3pm).

LAUNCESTON: Liam Hill; Ryan Dawe, Ollie Northam, Josh Harris, Jordan Stidson, Archie Wall, Mike Steele (capt), Jake Ham, Kian Berry, Lucas Preston, Louie Elliott. Subs: Morgan Parsonage, Lucas Jackson, George Plumb, James Hopcraft.

Clarets’ man of the match: Kian Berry.