South two
Tavistock firsts 0
Exeter University D 5 RIDING high in second place Tavistock were looking to continue their run with a fifth consecutive win.
A few team changes seemed unlikely to influence the game in the first half when Tavistock defended well against the university side.
The Tavistock back four of McMass, Wood, George and Edwards restricted the number of strikes on goal. Goalkeeper Kelly needed to be alert on a few occasions to keep Exeter's forwards at bay but they did get as close as to hit the post on one occasion.
Midfielder Marchant also did a sterling job in dropping back to support his defence with some timely tackles followed by good use of the ball. Unfortunately, this left the midfield short of dominant Tavistock players and Exeter took advantage by maintaining near relentless pressure on Tavistock's defence.
The home side did put some good moves together through Barrett, Cowen, Colin and Heard but it proved difficult to keep possession. Only a few, fleeting counter attacks could be mounted and the few chances Tavistock did create were not converted into goals as the first half ended 0-0.
Tavistock had done well to hang on, but the signs had been there throughout the first half and once Exeter managed to find the net they gained in confidence and energy while Tavistock's heads went down and legs got heavy.
The second half seemed to last twice as long as the first for the home team and it got progressively more painful as Exeter found room to playand Tavistock found themselves more and more out of position, stretched and exposed. Exeter were clinical in their finishing and were worthy 5-0 winners.