By David Harrison at Pennygillam

SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Launceston 2 St Day 1

AT THE seventh time of asking, the Clarets claimed their first home win of the season on Saturday, with a hard-fought but deserved victory over St Day.

The sides had met in October with the hosts recording a convincing 6-1 victory, but a repeat of that scoreline never looked a possibility.

Given the recent rain, the Pennygillam surface was in remarkably good condition and the Clarets soon settled to play some good passing football.

After a few half-chances, the game exploded into life in the 23rd minute with a stunning Josh Harris goal. A corner was only half cleared and the Launceston man thrashed an unstoppable 25-yard drive into the top corner.

The Clarets, with the wind at their backs, were dominant at this stage and recent signing Kian Berry doubled the lead after 34 minutes with another fine effort. Two visiting defenders collided with Berry who was alert enough to pick up the pieces and finish precisely.

Early in the second half, Launceston had a great chance to seal victory when Andy Watkins was brought down by Harry Salmon, but the keeper redeemed himself, pushing Mike Steele’s well-struck penalty onto the post and away.

The visitors got back into the game after 68 minutes following a hotly-disputed corner. Defender Luke Hart flicked a neat header past Liam Hill to bring the score back to 2-1.

The Clarets came under considerable late pressure but Hill and his defensive line held firm, with young George Plumb putting in another promising display.

LAUNCESTON: Liam Hill; Ryan Dawe, George Plumb, Ollie Northam, Jordan Stidson, Josh Harris, Denham Guild, Mike Steele (capt), Andy Watkins, Lucas Preston, Kian Berry. Subs: Morgan Jones, Jack Japes, Jake Ham, Jason Hoar, Ben Harrison.

Clarets’ man of the match: George Plumb.