Carlsberg South West Peninsula League premier
Tavistock 2
Clyst Rovers 0
THE Lambs continued their fine run of form when they defeated Clyst Rovers at Langsford Park.
Clyst, like many other teams this season, came to defend in depth by getting everyone behind the ball, relying on the occasional break to cause an upset.
To be fair to the visitors, their plan worked for long periods of the game, with the home tea, getting frustrated at times — resulting in their playing at a very slow pace, which suited Clyst.
In the tenth minute, following excellent forward play by Conday and Honey, Shane Krac hit a powerful shot from 20 yards, which thundered against the visitors' crossbar. The Lambs continued to attack, but failed to convert their superiority into goals, and nearly paid the penalty when in a rare break the visitors could have scored when Peter Darke went close late in the first half.
The Lambs came out more determined in the second half and played at a much higher tempo than in the first period.
In the 61st minute Ryan Honey made a fine run into the penalty area before squaring the ball to Simon Skews, who beat his defender with ease before finishing low past the visitors' goalkeeper Nicky Moyse, to break the deadlock.
Tavistock now became more relaxed and produced some real quality football, looking to increase their lead. They almost got their reward when a Chris Menhenick header crashed against the visitors' bar. Further attacks by the Lambs saw two goal-line clearances deny them the chance of increasing their lead. However, in the 74th minute Dave Hallett played a quick free kick to Will Stringer, who played Mark Conday into score inside the near post.
Further resolute defending from the visitors prevented the home team adding to their comfortable lead.
This is the Lambs' fourth consecutive win at home, and maintains their challenge in the top five of the league, with games in hand.
• This Saturday Tavistock visit fourth placed Ivybridge, kick-off 2.15pm.