IN stark contrast to the dismal summer the sun came out to welcome Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace to Langsford Park on Monday.

With a sprinkling of internationals a big crowd were drawn to the match —and by the end of 90 minutes they were not disappointed.

After the formalities of meeting and greeting and photographs, the game got underway.

The Eagles could have taken an early lead against the Lambs after incisively carving through the home ranks but a great save denied them.

The half continued with Palace having the lion's share of possession but Tavistock competing well, organised at the back and trying to play creative football with Dave Hallett looking composed in such illustrious football.

Their Achilles' heel was an inability to keep good possession against a physically fitter and quicker side.

Tavistock held out quite comfortably until just before the interval when good interplay saw Palace take the lead — Tavistock keeper Andy Meeds made a great save when left one-on-one but was powerless as the loose ball was slotted home.

It could so easily have been two moments later but the upright came to the rescue with Meeds a helpless spectator.

Neil Warnock must have given his team a bit of a pep talk during the break as they came out for the second half showing more urgency — the game was effectively over in a 15-minute period when Palace scored a  further three goals.

At times Tavistock were left chasing shadows as the championship team created pretty patterns with quick one-touch pass and move play.

In essence this is a major difference in professional players who show a greater speed of thought and movement allied to understanding.

To their credit, Tavistock kept battling and the 4-0 result was no embarrassment.

There were plenty of pluses for Ian Southcott to take from the game and near the end they had a passage of play that could have brought them a goal for their efforts.

For Tavistock this was a great occasion and a showcase to the people who attended to see their ambitious plans as well as a great boost to revenue to bring those plans nearer.

As such, a big thank you should be extended to Neil Warnock, his staff and players who were a credit to a game which does not always wear its status well.

Happy to pose for photographs and pleased to sign countless autographs they will have made many friends in Tavistock and done a service to professional football.

Dave Chanter