FA Vase

Ilfracombe 0

Tavistock AFC 2

TAVISTOCK travelled to Marlborough Park to take on Western League high fliers Ilfracombe Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

The team put in a great performance and came away deserved winner to progress to the next round.

The Lambs had an early scare in the third minute when a corner from Mark Gillfillan found Steve Holland in the penalty area; his shot from eight yards brilliantly parried by Andy Meeds, which allowed Mike Arscott to clear to safety. Then Tavistock had a good chance to open their account when Carter's flick header found Ben Davies his shot rebounded off Oliver in the home goal and the ball was cleared off the goal line.

The visitors having the better of the possession had another chance to take the lead when Shane Krac and Ben Davies combined well to provide Adam Carter a chance but Steve Oliver in the home goal saved well.

Just before the interval Shane Krac shot over when well placed.

There was very little to choose between the two sides, and although there was a lot of good passing in midfield neither side could open up the opposition defences in the first half.

The Lambs had the better of the second half and continued to pressurise the home defence.

The Ilfracombe back four were tested for long periods but held firm, and it was looking like the team that scored the first goal would go on to win the game.

The hosts were always dangerous on the counter attack but the Lambs defence were in fine form with Will Stringer outstanding.

The visitors had several attempts on goal but never really tested Steve Oliver due to some weak efforts and failing to hit the target. Both Krac and Hobbs had shots easily saved, and Carter and Billy Allen shot high and wide of the goal when they should have hit the target.

A great passing movement in the 55th minute with Lee Bevan, Ben Davies and Glyn Hobbs, led to the ball finding Krac on the edge of the box his shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Oliver.

In the 80th minute another fine move by the Lambs resulted in a defender handling the ball in the penalty area, for captain Will Stringer to slot home the spot kick. With five minutes to go substitute Mark Conday sealed the well earned victory when he ran on to a fine pass from Adam Carter cut inside his defender before curling his excellent shot around the diving keeper and inside the far post.

This was a really good team performance to overcome a good Ilfracombe side.