Tavistock Mens A 3
Penzance 5
TAVISTOCK A are coming off an horrendous set of results that has seen them drop from second in late October to third from bottom coming into this result. So playing Penzance who were riding high in third in South West Division one was always going to be a difficult match.
Penzance started strongly and Tavistock keeper Paul Mingo had to be on top form to keep the visitors out. The defence however was soon breached and Bradley, George, Mills and Roberts were overrun at times as the Penzance forwards buzzed around them. It was 3-0 by half time and Penzance were playing with aplomb.
The second goal was the pick when after a short corner the ball was squeezed out to a forward on the edge of the D, who smashed it home into the top corner of the net with Mingo and Roberts helpless.
The Tavistock team did have its opportunites as the Penzance defence was not of the same calibre as their attack, and Symons and Aveyard both came close with shots off short corners.
The second half was far more even and despite the continuing pressure on the Tavistock defence, Honey, Cowan and Wheatley started to apply some pressure down the Penzance flanks.
The goal of the game was scored by Tavistock's Adam Holland with a mazy run from inside his own half culminating in a nutmeg of the opposition keeper bringing the score to 3-1.
Tavistock started to believe in themselves and the score was soon 3-2 with a magnificent deflection by Doney assisted by the timeless Aveyard.
Penzance were still creating problems, however, and numerous short corners were conceded by the Tavistock defence desperately trying to keep the ball out. Two of these resulted in goals; one a smart shot into the corner and the fifth goal a deflection which fooled everyone. There was time for Aveyard to score a rare goal similar to Doney's close into the goal deftly deflecting the ball past the keeper.
Penzance were worthy winners and it speaks volumes that most people's man of the match was Mingo who kept goal magnificently for Tavistock.
l Tavistock A's next game is in two weeks and they must ensure they finish third from bottom to avoid relegation.