DJM Cambridge League Tavistock Thistles U18s 1 Saltash Youth U18s 2 IT was Thistles that should have taken the lead early on when Jonathon Scarry was put through with just the keeper to beat but his first touch gave the keeper too much time to close down the space and he eventually blocked the effort. With Saltash winning more possession the Thistles central defensive pair of Blagdon and Kirby did will well to subdue any real threats, but after around 20 minutes a rather soft long range effort was fumbled by the Thistles keeper to give the visitors the lead. Despite this error, however he went on to give an outstanding performance again pulling off a string of good saves. Thistles did not give up and worked hard to try and peg back a goal before half time with good work on the left with Chatfield and Tuggle combining well on several occasions. At half time Thistles remained a goal down and where forced into an early substitution bringing 16 year old Sam Brooks to replace the injured right back. The second half remained fairly even with both teams having chances but Thistles were awarded a penalty which was dispatched with some aplomb by Scarry. Saltash regained the lead with a scrappy goal, which should have been cleared by the Thistles defence. Thistles continued to battle in midfield with Gibbings, Worrell, Brown and Lee giving 100% effort. Although a lot of work still needs to be done to stop Thistles giving the ball away too cheaply this continued improvement is a good sign for the future. l Tavistock Thistles U18s above in action against Saltash Youth (in stripes) on Saturday. Picture by James Bird