Western Toolstation premier

TAVISTOCK AFC 2

BRIDPORT TOWN 0

TAVISTOCK AFC went into this game on the back off 13 goals scored in the three games and Bridport came to Langsford Park with a plan to frustrate their hosts. Their plan worked well but could not stop the Lambs from taking all three points in an efficient performance.

The game took off to a fast pace with the home team pushing for an early goal. Josh Grant shot just wide of the target in the fifth minute.

Tavistock managed to break the blanket defence of the visitors in the 15th minute when the home side cleared their own lines from a corner kick; the ball found Liam Prynn, who made a penetrating run upfield before providing a defence splitting pass for Jordan Annear to calmly lift the ball over the the advancing keeper into the net. Four minutes later the home team should have doubled their lead but this time Annear saw his shot flash inches wide of the post.

Bridport’ first real goal threat came in the 20th minute when following a good move Westlake shot over the bar from 20 yards.

Both Josh Grant and Jordan Annear shot over the bar when well placed as the Lambs continued to control the game. Grant saw his fine effort go wide of the target and Annear saw his shot deflected against the bar and cleared to safety.

The home team nearly paid the penalty for not taking these chances, when a counter attack from the visitors forced Ben Elphick in the home goal to make a terrific save, turning a fierce shot from Cornish over the bar.

The Lambs continued to have the greater share of possession but could not add to their goal tally before the interval.

Three minutes into the second half a superb effort by Jordan Annear was turned over the bar by visitors’ keeper Wells-Burr. From the corner kick Jack Crago’s header hit the bar and cleared by the Bridport defence.

Callum Watson then saw his great effort from 23 yards palmed away for a corner kick. Ben Elphick then made a good save to deny Warren from levelling.

Tavistock manager Stuart Henderson then made his first substitution with Warren Daw replacing Dave Hallett.

As the game progressed Bridport began to grow in confidence, having only conceded one goal, they thought they could get something out of the game in the closing stages. They were now having their best period in the match, as the home team were becoming edgy having only a single goal advantage.

Alex Cairo then replaced Jordan Annear with 15 minutes remaining for the Lambs. He was soon in the action when a good move saw Josh Robins find him, but his shot was brilliantly turned away for a corner kick.

Ben Elphick in the home goal was in terrific form and made a couple of top quality saves to deny the visitors from levelling the score. Bridport’s best scoring opportunity came in 80th minute when Clarke shot over the bar when well placed.

A few minutes later Ben Elphick made a brave save diving at the feet of Gape to deny him from scoring.

With four minutes remaining the Lambs scored that elusive second goal to seal victory.

Following a corner kick the ball was cleared by the visitors’ defence; the ball fell to Ben Cross some 30 yards from goal and he unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot that nestled low into the corner of the net. Definitely a contender for goal of the season that sealed an efficient victory.

The Lambs deserved the three points, as they were the better side. However, they will not be happy with their overall performance, as they know they should have converted more of the goal scoring opportunities created. They should have had a commanding lead by half time. Credit must be given to Bridport for their game plan which almost worked and they battled hard throughout the game.

On Wednesday, November 27, the first team are home to Clevedon Athletic, kick-off 7.30pm.