In-form Launceston stormed to a fifth consecutive win, ruthlessly curtailing Penzance’s own four game unbeaten run with a clinically professional performance at Penlee Park.
The home side were up against it once goalkeeper Will Trenoweth was ruled out with a back injury. Kam Collins deputised between the sticks and the Magpies sorely missed his steely presence in midfield. Nonetheless, had they taken early chances, things might have been very different. Jacob Trudgeon pushed a presentable chance wide after 20 minutes at the end of a slick passing move. He was then very unlucky with a perceptive effort from just inside his own half having spotted Lewis Slade off his line. However, the Clarets keeper just manage to make his ground and hook the ball off the line.
Launceston, though, always carried a potent threat. Mark Vercesi did well to clear a George Beardsmore shot off the goal-line, but the breakthrough came when former Truro, Bath and Bideford hitman Andy Watkins soared like an osprey to apply a text book header to a cross from the left. Barely a minute later, Lewis Young slithered through to roll in a second and Penzance had a mountain to climb. That took on Himalayan proportions ten minutes after the restart when Collins fouled Watkins and Mike Steele tucked away a third goal from the penalty spot.
James Butler and Charlie Willis both had shots saved by Slade but Launceston came closest to adding a fourth when Dan Clifton missed a sitter from a centre by fellow substitute Josh Chidley.
Penzance threw on Ewan Trevains, Michael Fitchett, Adam Lewis (for his debut) and Gareth Ireson-Ward, but the replacements were unable to make any impact despite their opponents finishing with just nine players following a sin-binning and the dismissal of centre-back Jude Jago for a second booking.
“We have to move on quickly from today’s game,” said Penzance manager Ashley Waters. “We were out of sorts and the early chances we missed proved costly. Launceston were clinical - something we have to be when we are on top. They were worthy winners today. Tuesday will be another big test against a quality Wadebridge outfit - I’m sure the boys are keen to put today’s performance right.”
Penzance: Kam Collins, Archie Reynolds, Alfie Turner (Ewan Trevains 46), Ollie Butler, Mark Vercesi (Gareth Ireson-Ward 82), Liam Andrew, Jacob Trudgeon, James Butler, Tyler Tonkin (Michael Fitchett 75), Darry Richards, Charlie Willis (Adam Lewis 80). Unused sub: Ashley Mead
Launceston: Lewis Slade, Mark Wilson, Declan Woodgate, Archie Wall, Jude Jago, George Beardsmore, Lewis Young, Jake Ham, Andy Watkins, Mike Steele, Mason Tape. Subs: Dan Clifton, Liam Raglan, Jaden Wood, Josh Chidley
Referee: Steve McCulloch
Assistants: David Dodson, Dave Rowe
Attendance: 121
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