Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier
Tavistock AFC 4
Wadebridge Town 3
AFTER the devastating events of the week, when the clubhouse was severely damaged by fire, it was time for Tavistock AFC to get back to what it is all about, playing and watching the wonderful game of football.
For the neutral this was an entertaining, attacking game of football, but for supporters of both clubs, it was a nail biting encounter from beginning to end. The Lambs came from behind three times, and sealed victory in injury time.
The game started a furious pace, and it was evident that both teams were looking for all three points. The home team failed to capitalise on a couple of half chances in the opening five minutes. The visitors weathered these early raids, and came more into the game. Some of the football they played belied their bottom of the table position, and following a fine move, opened their account at the third attempt when Richard Rundle scored, after both Any Meeds and Jamie Ahearn had blocked his first two efforts.
The game was end to end when in the 33rd minute a great pass from Neil Kinsman, split the Wadebridge defence wide open to send Mike Dalley racing clear, to sublimely lob the advancing keeper Josh Grills to level the scores.
But back came Wadebridge, and after the home team gave the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park, they were made to pay as Nathan Cudmore firing home a great drive from 20 yards that gave Andy Meeds in the home goal no chance.
The Lambs levelled the scores shortly before half time when Kojo Ofari's through ball, gave Levi Landricombe the opportunity to win his challenge with Grills before firing home from an acute angle.
The second period was almost a replica of the first, and within 12 minutes Wadebridge took the lead for the third time. A mistake by Matt Hawke the Lambs league debutant centre half, let in Rundle who beat the stranded Meeds, with a well weighted lob.
There was no let up in the action and Landricombe shot over when well placed. This was followed by a great save from Meeds to keep the home side from going further behind. It was nerve racking stuff for the home supporters, and just as it looked like the visitor's defence was going to hold firm Sullivan levelled the scores. Dave Hallett found Martin Sullivan with a superb defence splitting pass, and his well struck shot nestled in the far corner giving Grills no chance.
In time added on the Lambs snatched a winner, when once again Landricombe raced clear to majestically chip the ball over Grills into the net. One must congratulate both sides who gave their all in this game, to make it an exciting afternoon for the spectators. Praise must go to Wadebridge for putting in a really great performance, making it a memorable encounter. There is no doubt if they maintain this level of performance, Wadebridge will surprise many sides in this league.
The Lambs must take credit, they never gave up and to come from a goal behind on three occasions shows there is a lot of commitment from the team. There were a number of good performances with Dave Hallett, who was superb in midfield.
It was so important that the Lambs took all three points against Wadebridge, in order to move away from the relegation places, and gain some confidence before the tough test of a visit to league leaders Buckland, and then hosting Bodmin Town in the next two fixtures.