Match Report: Launceston 1 v 2 Wadebridge Town

by | Aug 7, 2023

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Match Report: Launceston 1 v 2 Wadebridge Town

Enjoy the Gaffer’s reflections, Kevin’s report, our Match Highlights (including minutes silence for Tracy Banfield) and all Social Media coverage from our excellent victory away at Launceston during Storm Antoni.

The Gaffer’s Reflections

When you consider we had a hugely distrupted pre season due to cancellations and really difficult playing conditions to overcome, I thought the boys were terrific, our patterns were evident throughout.

Nice to have our patience rewarded in stoppage time.

Paul Rowe

The Gaffer

Kevin’s Report

Bridgers do Hoops as Rhys special seals late late victory

South West Peninsula League

Launceston 1 Wadebridge Town 2

Wadebridge got there in the end with an injury time goal from Rhys Hooper turning one point into three at a gusty Pennygillam on Saturday.

The visitors had dominated possession and created the better chances but they looked likely to have to settle for a draw against a hard-working Launceston side.

Then Hooper, a summer recruit from Newquay, cut in from the left side of midfield and unleashed a superb right foot shot which skimmed past Lewis Slade into the net.

It was harsh on the Clarets who deserved something from the opening league game of the season and their noisy supporters walked away disappointed.

But with the same sort of commitment and more fortune in front of goal they are likely to have a much improved season after the struggles of last season.

Wadebridge, who finished fourth last time out, are expected to be among the frontrunners again so a defeat against them is not the end of the world.

The Bridgers had a chance to open the scoring in the first minute when Tom Shepherd, having created space for himself near the penalty spot, lifted his shot over the bar.

The visitors maintained their impressive start but it was ended abruptly in the 15th minute when a defensive error led to a penalty for Launceston, fired into the net by skipper Mike Steele.

Kyle Flew should have equalised soon afterwards as he burst through in a one on one with keeper Slade, but he ran the ball too far ahead of himself at the vital moment and Slade intervened.

As the half wore on, Launceston enjoyed more of the ball and created a few half chances but they were unable to get a crucial second goal.

The second half was even stevens for long periods, with opportunities at both ends, but Wadebridge eventually turned pressure into an equaliser in the 78th minute with Sam Gerken finishing off after a fierce Chris Reski free kick had only been half cleared.

Launceston lost young striker Alfie Fothergill to a nasty looking cut above his left eye which later required hospital treatment.

Then came the late, late Hooper winner which sent the Bridgers home in buoyant mood and eagerly looking forward to the first home game of the season against Dobwalls on Tuesday.

Launceston were due to be at home to Liskeard on the same evening but issues with a couple of their floodlights means the game has been rearranged for September 26.

Stats

Launceston: L Slade, R Bath, C Aldridge, M Steele, S Jago, H Westlake, T Bullock, D Woodgate, A Fothergill, J Harris, T Madge.

Subs: B Harrison, G Beardsmore, M Elvidge, J Munday, T Wood.

Goal: M Steele pen (15).

Wadebridge: R Rosevear, T Harris. R Hooper, S Gerken, S Simmonds (S Hepworth 86), L Webber (G Eastman 81), C Reski, S Wickins, K Flew, M Vallejo (D Tate 65), T Shepherd.

Subs not used: B Rowe, Z O’Connor.

Goals: S Gerken (78), R Hooper (90+2).

Kevin Marriott

Match Reporter

Match Highlights

Match Coverage on Social Media

A selection of Social Media coverage from the match.

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