South West Peninsula League Tavistock AFC 1 Elburton Spurs 4 AFTER a run of five wins on the bounce Tavistock were brought crashing back down to earth with a bang at a cold and damp Langsford Park last Saturday with an emphatic defeat to a workmanlike Elburton Spurs. The game started brightly for the Lambs, who took the lead after just two minutes when Lee Coxon waltzed past a stationary visitors defence to fire home. Tavistock then proceeded to create and squander a myriad of chances with Hobbs and Conday particularly culpable. The worry amongst the home supporters was that they might rue such profligacy in front of goal and the visitors were starting to get a foothold in the game. There were warning signs when Tavistock?s defence were exposed but a tame finish was easily fielded by goalkeeper Andy Meeds. Tavistock were now losing the midfield battle and Elburton were visibly growing in confidence and stature and it was no surprise when they drew level. A simple through ball saw the Lambs back four coming out in instalments in a forlorn attempt at playing offside and the Elburton striker skimmed a volley past a helpless Meeds. Tavistock had dominated possession but found themselves level at the interval. The second half is one that Tavistock will want to forget. Too many players were having an off day say the management and the visitors showed more aptitude and desire while the Tavistock players were both lazy and disjointed. The inevitable result was the visitors taking control of the game and punishing Tavistock with three more goals. It would be difficult to point the finger in any one direction as this was collective ineptitude. Tavistock must learn to stand toe to toe and battle for the right to win rather than believe that 80% effort will bring the desired result. On Saturday Tavistock are away to Liskeard in the SWPL.
