SWPL PREMIER WEST (THURSDAY)

Callington Town 1 Launceston 1

KIERAN Prescott slotted an injury-time penalty wide as Launceston earned a Boxing Day point at a foggy Ginsters Marsh.

Cally took a deserved first half lead through Ben Langton’s header, but the Clarets gradually improved in the second half and Denham Guild’s brilliant finish from 20 yards gave Neil Price’s side a precious point.

In far from ideal conditions it was the home team that started the brighter before the visitors created a big chance on 11 minutes. A fine ball from the right found the in-form Kian Berry 15 yards from goal with just Jake Mead-Crebbin to beat. However, the keeper spread himself superbly to block.

Callington soon had a good opportunity of their own as winger Kieran Ryall dragged a shot wide of the far post after being played in down the right.

The game changed in the 19th minute. After defender Jordan Stidson was sin-binned for foul and abusive language to the linesman, Launceston just managed to clear the indirect free-kick from ten yards. However, the resulting corner was swung in from the left and Langton had the simplest of finishes from six yards.

Connor Pritchard curled a free-kick just wide after a fine run from Fin Skews was halted, before the Clarets finished the half the stronger.

They should have been given a penalty when a backpass was seized upon by Berry who looked to go around the goalkeeper. He appeared to have been fouled but referee Steve McCulloch let play continue and they weren’t about to scramble the ball in.

Then with injury-time approaching, a decent team move ended with Josh Harris’ rasping drive from distance being tipped around the post.

While the first half saw some goalmouth action, the second 45 was anything but as it took until the 66th minute for something to happen as Andy Watkins’ ball in from the left was well cut out by Harvey Barrett.

But five minutes later the Clarets were level.

A ball down the left channel was laid off back to the industrious Guild and he placed a brilliant finish into the top right corner, giving Mead-Crebbin no chance.

Callington finally threatened a second when Skews shot over from 20 yards from the left side of the box.

Cally had sub JJ Gill sin-binned late on for complaining at a decision, before Mead-Crebbin had to tip over a looping curler from sub Jaden Wood as the 90 approached.

But there was still time for more drama. Cally broke down the right and Prescott’s ball found the influential Calum Courtswho was taken out by the back-tracking Mike Steele.

The former St Dominick frontman sent Liam Hill the wrong way but put his effort went past the post to ensure the points were shared.

CALLINGTON TOWN: Jake Mead-Crebbin; Jamie Rowlands, Harvey Barrett, Harry Southcott (capt), Rhys Lindsell; Calum Courts, Ben Langton (capt), Connor Pritchard; Kieran Ryall, Kieran Prescott, Fin Skews. Subs: JJ Gill, Andre Rodukov, Elliot Haxell, Kaspar Putna, Charlie Underwood.

LAUNCESTON: Liam Hill; Mark Wilson, Jordan Stidson, Alex Parnell, Ryan Dawe; Mike Steele (capt), Josh Harris; Lucas Preston, Denham Guild, Andy Watkins; Kian Berry. Subs: Jaden Wood, Lucas Jackson, George Plumb, Jake Ham, Mark Elvidge.

Men of the match: Callington Town – Calum Courts; Launceston – Alex Parnell.