Steele hails Clarets' response despite League Cup exit at Camelford

WILL Elliott’s late goal sent the Camels through to a third-round tie at home to Bude Town despite being made hard to work hard by managerless Launceston at Trefrew Park on Friday night.

In front of an excellent crowd of 144 which included a sizeable away support to back the interim staff of Mike Steele, Kevin Hatch and Paul Hider, the visitors started well with the lively Kaiet Rasche a particular threat.

However, it was the Camels who moved in front after 15 minutes through a Kyle Flew penalty following a contentious foul on Kenley Dyson.

That said, there was no question about the equaliser, a superb 22-yard screamer from young Dylan Rangecroft to add to his double at Falmouth a week earlier.

Rangecroft posed a constant threat for Launceston, while Kian Berry was unfortunate to see a 45th minute effort disallowed by referee Graeme Martin, seemingly for a pushing offence.

Camelford opened the second half brightly with Joe Parr causing problems, while Flew went close with a curling drive just beyond the far post.

But the Clarets were contributing well in an end-to-end encounter. Berry saw a shot blocked after a fine jinking run, before Lee Robinson directed his header just wide of the near post.

Chances came at both ends, but Elliott won it late on with a precise 10-yard finish past the excellent Howie Evans.

Steele felt it was slightly harsh on the Clarets, telling the Post: “The response from the players since myself, Kev and Paul have stepped in has been exceptional. Despite missing several key players, we were full of belief.

“Camelford are an excellent side, but I felt we matched them throughout. Dylan’s outstanding equaliser gave us real momentum, and we dominated periods of the second half but couldn’t capitalise when on top. The late winner was difficult to take, as I felt penalties would have been a fair outcome, but I’m incredibly proud of the lads and the progress we’ve made.”

Camels boss Bobby Hopkinson, who rested himself and Tom Crowe, while goalkeeper Cory Harvey was away, had a slightly different view. He said: “It was a good game to watch for the neutral. We put out a very young starting 11 and it was pleasing to see them hold their own.

“I thought the first half was pretty even, but second half I think we dominated and should probably have had three or four more goals. Yes they created a couple of chances, but we spelt large spells of the game in their half.

“They defended well and their keeper made some good saves, so credit to them, but as I said, it was good to be able to rest a few of the older heads and still come out on top.”

CAMELFORD: Liam Hill; Sam Watts, Olly Taylor, Matt Gilmour, Josh Harris, Dan Hocking, Kenley Dyson, Jacob Ham, Kyle Flew, Joe Parr, Will Rees. Substitutes: Piotr Maciejewski, Will Elliott, Ross Beare, Tom Crowe, Matt Lloyd.

LAUNCESTON: Howie Evans; Alex Parnell, Sam Tattersall, Jude Jago, Tom Manuel, Harry Eaton, Dylan Rangecroft, Kaiet Rasche, Lee Robinson, Owen Davies, Kian Berry. Subs: Mike Steele, Denham Guild, George Davey, George Bills, Corey Chapman.

Men-of-the-match: Camelford – Josh Harris; Launceston – Tom Manuel.