By David Harrison

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (TUESDAY)

Launceston 0 Ilfracombe Town 6

The Clarets continued with their policy of electing to face top sides in the latter stages of their pre-season campaign, rather than look for victories over less demanding opposition. 

After a good win at fellow SWPL club Sidmouth Town, manager Neil Price challenged his side with tough fixtures against Southern League Helston on Saturday and Western League Ilfracombe, who visited Pennygillam on Tuesday. 

His young squad will have learnt plenty from the experience. 

Ilfracombe, already with pre-season wins over Okehampton and Holsworthy to their name, were excellent throughout, although Launceston competed well and created chances throughout a competitive game. 

The main difference between the sides was that the visitors, with prolific ex-Bude frontman Billy Hopcroft leading the line, were clinical in front of goal. 

The North Devon side moved in front after seven minutes before adding two further goals in the last few minutes of the half. 

The Clarets experimented with last year’s top scorer Andy Watkins in midfield and he put in his customary hard-working shift. 

The second half was more even and it wasn’t until the closing minutes that the visitors scored twice more to cement their victory. 

By then Launceston had lost substitute Ben Harrison to a nasty-looking shoulder injury. 

The Clarets, still missing regulars James Close, Carl Aldridge, Lewis Young, Jaden Wood and Dan Clifton, ended well beaten although they won’t face opposition of this quality when SWPL action begins, at Penzance on Saturday, August 3. 

Before the league programme opens however, the Clarets have one more tough friendly still to play, when Southern League Mousehole come to visit, this evening (Friday, July 26, 7.30pm).