CAMELFORD remain on the heels of the top four following a superb 4-1 victory at second-placed Elburton Villa on Friday night.

The Camels – who had seen off Launceston 3-1 in their last outing, named a full-strength side against an Elburton outfit who realistically were facing a must-win clash following recent defeats to leaders Liskeard Athletic.

After a nervy first five minutes for the Camels which saw the hosts have a goal chalked off for offside, the visitors gradually got into the game and took a 15th minute lead.

Ryan Downing’s superb free-kick across the six-yard box looked to have been put in by midfielder Ross Beare, and although his effort was cleared off the line, centre-half Dan Hocking made no mistake to beat Jordan Duffey.

Play was relatively even, but in left-sided attacker Liam Higgins the Cornish outfit had an outlet which caused the hosts all kinds of problems. It was his good work that doubled Camelford’s lead on 25 minutes as he got down the left and his shot was parried only as far as top-scorer Ryan Downing to prod in his 32nd of the season on his return from suspension.

Four minutes later and the hosts had an even bigger mountain to climb as Callum Merrin’s kick out connected with Kenley Dyson’s chest with the ball in mid-air, and he was off for an early shower.

Camelford could hardly believe their luck and soon added a third in a similar style to the second, only this time it was Higgins slotting in after Downing marauded down the left.

Elburton have scored the most goals in the division and pulled one back seven minutes before the break as a ball in was expertly volleyed home by Adam MacPherson.

The Villa then got on top for much of the rest of the game, but found the Camels defence in unforgiving mood as they looked to apply pressure on Penzance and Callington, the latter who were beaten at Holsworthy on Saturday.

MacPherson missed a glorious chance to set up a grandstand finish 10 minutes from time when his penalty was saved by Cory Harvey diving away to his left, and the Camels were gifted a fourth in the 90th minute when Henry Wilson’s pass back to the keeper somehow found its way in.

Camelford boss Bobby Hopkinson admitted it was a fine result.

He said: “I went and watched them last week (the 1-0 defeat to Liskeard) and I jokingly said to one of their players I thought we could score three or four as our front three would cause them carnage, and so it proved.

“Although they’ve very good going forward, defensively they were vulnerable and we did well.

“We’ve had pretty much the same team for the last few weeks and they’ve excelled.

“I said before the season that the target was the top five and we’re on track for that, as well as reaching the Senior Cup final, so we’re doing well and looking forward to welcoming Wadebridge on Good Friday (11am).”

CAMELFORD: Cory Harvey; Sam Watts, Dan Hocking, Tom Crowe, Andy Boxall (capt); Kenley Dyson, Ross Beare, Jacob Ham; Joseph Parr, Ryan Downing, Liam Higgins. Subs: Olly Taylor, Tom Cowling, Josh Harris, Jacob Turner, Mark Gusterson.

Camels’ man-of-the-match: Liam Higgins.