Carlsberg South West Peninsula league

Saltash United 2

Tavistock AFC 2

TAVISTOCK went into this game against a side also pushing for honours this season without striker Glyn Hobbs (suspended) and Mike Southgate. Some really good football was played in gale force winds, which is a credit to both teams.

The opening exchanges were fairly even and much of the play took place in the middle of the park. In the 30th minute Andy Bowker was adjudged to have kicked the ball away, after being given offside and a second yellow meant he was off.

The Lambs were immediately caught napping; before they could get reorganised Saltash opened the scoring. Marc Thorne beat the offside trap to latch onto a Danny Lewis pass and round Andy Meeds, firing home from ten yards.

Tavistock were then left with lone striker Ryan Honey up front, and it took a little time for the team to adjust their play to the enforced system.

The Lambs, showing great spirit and determination, started to put pressure on the Saltash defence, and it was no surprise that they equalised in injury time in the first half. Shane Krac's corner was headed down by Chris Menhenick for Ryan Honey to drive home from eight yards.

The visitors put in a tremendous second half performance, putting the home defence under a lot of pressure. It was difficult at times to see which side had ten men, such was the quality of the football being played by the Lambs.

Tavistock deservedly took the lead midway through the half, when Chris Menhenick's 35 yard free kick beat Chris Wearing in the Saltash goal. Towards the end the effect of having ten men was clearly visible, but the Lambs dug deep. Some quality passing in midfield set Mark Conday clear, but he was desperately unlucky when he tried to chip the advancing Wearing.

The visitors' defence held firm until ten minutes from time, when a hopeful ball was punted into the penalty area and parried by Meeds. With the ball bouncing about in the area it eventually fell to Glen Palmer to equalise.

Both teams continued to try to win the game and the crowd must have enjoyed an entertaining game in difficult conditions. Every one of the players deserves a real pat on the back for such a magnificent performance, with only ten men for an hour of the game.

It was important that the Lambs continued their unbeaten run of five games. With other results going in their favour they are now sitting in a very favourable position in the league table.

l This Saturday the Lambs are home to Clyst Rovers, kick-off 3pm.