By David Harrison at Pennygillam

SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Launceston 0 Wendron 3

TITLE contenders Wendron United ultimately proved too strong for an injury-hit Launceston when the sides met at Pennygillam on Saturday. 

Clarets manager Neil Price was forced to make a series of changes with key players unavailable. Top scorer Andy Watkins and skipper Mike Steele picked up knocks in the 2-1 midweek defeat at Wadebridge, although both hope to be fit for Saturday’s home FA Vase tie against Millbrook. 

Lewis Young, James Close, Archie Wall and Ollie Northam remain unavailable while Denham Guild has opted to switch to league rivals Dobwalls. 

An impressive Wendron side had scored ten goals in their opening two SWPL fixtures and dominated possession from the start.

Goalkeeper Lewis Slade and his fellow defenders were soon working overtime, but thanks to some resolute defending, the Clarets reached half-time on level terms.

Launceston, with young Aaron Hughes making a first start up front, battled manfully but were unable to build any sustained midfield possession.

The visitors finally opened the scoring after 52 minutes through impressive targetman Brodie Kemp, before adding a second when Ryan Reeve poked in a loose ball. 

It was deep into injury time before Kemp found the target again, to make the final score 3-0.

Price took the opportunity to blood George Plumb (16) and Jack Japes (17), both of whom gained valuable first team game time.

Meanwhile at Launceston College, the club’s new Development side picked up an encouraging 2-0 St Piran League win over St Neot. The Launceston scorers were Charlie Pidgeon and Hayden Gay.

LAUNCESTON: Lewis Slade; Mark Wilson, George Beardsmore, Jude Jago, Carl Aldridge; Josh Harris, Jacob Ham, Declan Woodgate; Aaron Hughes, Jaden Wood, Dan Clifton. Subs: Ray Card, Isaac Varga, Jack Japes, George Plumb, Morgan Jones.

Launceston man of the match: Josh Harris.