PENZANCE 2, LAUNCESTON 0

Two first half goals saw Penzance to a competent victory over Launceston, hauling themselves up the ladder a couple of rungs to fifth, and putting to bed a long-standing bogey – it was the first time they had avoided defeat against the Clarets at Penlee Park since 2019 writes James Wright.

Lanson were first to threaten but, once they had settled, the home side entirely dominated the first half. Jude Jago bravely blocked a Charlie Willis shot in the 12th minute, then Penzance’s break-through came almost immediately. A move down the left saw the ball drop to Ollie Butler who skilfully brought it down before clipping home his second goal of the season.

Howie Evans pulled off saves in quick succession from Willis then Caspall. Charlie Young then set up Josh Magin, but the Launceston keeper saved again, as he did with his legs when Archie Reynolds was in on goal just before the half-hour mark. With a header from a James Butler free-kick, Rohan Bennetts was denied his first Penzance goal by yet another Evans save. The Magpies finally got their second three minutes shy of the interval, Caspall expertly playing in Willis for a tidy finish.

The pressure eased on the Launceston defence in the second half, indeed the visitors enjoyed some periods of sustained pressure as they sought a route back into the match. But Joe Moynan headed wide their clearest chance and Penzance held firm with seventeen year old Bennetts, on only his third start, particularly impressive. “I asked for a clean sheet – I said we don’t give them anything today,” said Head Coach Matt James. “Rohan Bennetts was absolutely outstanding,” concurred Coach Alfie Turner. “He made one mistake, and that was in the 92nd minute. He has bided his time this season and been a bit frustrated. With Tyler Tonkin coming back, we are starting to look stronger in defence.”

Watch the full interview with Matt and Alfie as Press Officer James Wright caught up with the dugout duo post-match.

The match became increasingly physical as it progressed. James Butler was helped from the field with a leg injury following a tackle by Sam Tattersall. The foul earned the Lanson right back a booking and resulted in Tonkin’s return, the Penzance club captain getting his first minutes since undergoing a second operation of 2025. Happily his troublesome shoulder was not unduly tested as Penzance, in the absence of manager Mark Vercesi, saw out the remaining minutes to secure victory.

Penzance: Harry Salmon, Archie Reynolds, James Butler (Tyler Tonkin 78), Rohan Bennetts, Silas Sullivan (captain), Ollie Butler, Ewan Trevains, Josh Magin (Jacob Trudgeon 56), Charlie Willis, Charlie Young (George Molcher 88), Lewis Caspall (Hayden Waters 90).

Unused sub: Mikey Flores

Launceston: Howie Evans, Sam Tattersall, Ryan Dawe, Joe Moynan, Jude Jago, Archie Wall, Denham Guild (Kian Berry 52), Mike Steele (captain) (Taylor Davey 70), Joe Jasper (Alfie Freeman 85), Will Gilbert (Jack Stephens 85), George Bills.

Unused Sub: Tom Manuel

Referee: Max Davies

Assistants: Paul Barker, Barry Raiker

Attendance: 139

Cover photo courtesy of James Wright