THE Christmas and New Year period was a fair reflection of the season so far for Tavistock as they continued to flatter to deceive. The period started brightly on December 22 on a dark day at Langsford Park with a comfortable victory against a workmanlike but technically limited Clyst Rovers. The Lambs scored in either half through Neil Kinsman and Shane Krac and three points were secured. Boxing Day brought a visit to Pennygillam to play local rivals Launceston and though falling behind to a penalty, Tavistock rallied for a fine victory by three goals to two with Shane Krac and Ryan Honey (2) on target. Expecting to continue in winning ways they visited lowly Cullompton on December 29 and while dominating the game, failed to find the net and lost by a single goal. Finally, last Saturday a visit to Bickland Park saw Falmouth inflicting a comprehensive defeat on the Lambs by four goals to one. This has been a season of under achieving by Tavistock and it is difficult to understand why they are languishing in the lower reaches of the league. Club physiotherapist Dave Chanter said: 'Without question the personnel has the capacity to be challenging for honours but skill is of limited value without a degree of application and it is in this department that some players have to sit down and take a long hard look at their commitment and attitude. 'Certainly the early season saw a spate of suspensions which like last season decimated the team and never allowed for a solid base to be laid. Discipline was a major problem which recently has improved. 'The team itself is abundant with ability, however it appears to lack cohesion. Often it plays like a group of individuals instead of working as a unit. From back to front it has failed to play to its potential. 'To my mind there is a missing ingredient: The back four are exposed by the midfield whom it could be argued generally consist of four ball players in need of a stabilising influence. Similarly, the midfield are often exposed by front players who don't defend from the front. Coupled with a lack of chances converted to goals in simplistic form this can account for a number of points frittered away. 'This might appear to be a damning indictment of the season so far, however there does need to be an improvement in the second half of the season. The management is working hard but maybe it is time the players showed a little more responsibility for the task ahead.' l The new year continued with a rearranged fixture on Tuesday against Foxhole at Langsford Park in the Trogmorton Cup, followed by another home fixture, tomorrow, Friday at 7.30pm.
