Carlsberg South Western League

Tavistock 1

Launceston 3

THE Lambs' poor form continued with this third consecutive defeat at the hands of a youthful and eager Clarets side.

Tavistock were without the services of the unavailable Chris Gott and the injured Nathan Blamey. Graeme Kirkup was brought into defence replacing Andy Parnowski with James Cole moving into midfield and Steve Nicholson retaining the left back slot.

The Lambs found themselves a goal down in the opening minutes. Paul Luscombe's attempt hit the upright as did his second before coming off keeper Andy Meeds and into the net.

Darren Babb saw his header from Anthony Thirlby's free kick go over the bar before the visitors extended their lead after 15 minutes. Shane Turner's cross found Shaun Hooper whose shot was blocked by Meeds only to fall kindly again for Turner to stroke home from close range.

The Lambs got back into the game on the half-hour when Mark Wall's shot was blocked but the ball was squared back to Steve Brownlow to steer it clear of the keeper from 12 yards.

The comeback lasted all of 30 seconds — from the kick-off the Clarets regained their two-goal cushion. An assistant referee's flag for offside was overruled by the referee and with the Lambs' defence hesitant Luscombe shot low across Meeds.

In the opening minutes of the second period the Lambs were awarded a penalty after Simon Parnell went tumbling but again the decision went against them with an earlier offside infringement.

Parnell laid the ball back for Wall to strike only to see his effort go past a post. In the remainder, the Lambs could not take advantage of the majority of possession.

Tavistock: Andy Meeds, Lee Beer, Steve Nicholson, Graeme Kirkup (sub Steve Daymond 60m), Craig Hodge, Darren Babb, Steve Brownlow, Mark Wall, Simon Parnell (sub Jaime Carwardine 75m), James Cole, Anthony Thirlby. Subs not used: Andy Parnowski , Pete Gibson.

l Fixtures - Saturday, Carlsberg South Western League, Tavistock v Penzance, Langsford Park. Kick-off 3pm.

Tuesday March 12, provisional, Langsford Park hosts an English U15s quarter-final with Plymouth Schools playing Cardiff Schools, 7.30pm kick-off. Check evening paper for conformation.