Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier

Tavistock AFC 2

St Austell 2

THE season opened with the home side fielding seven new signings, and to be fair they all blended into what looks to be a useful team. For many of them it is the first time they have played at this level and they really adapted themselves well, producing some quality football.

The Lambs took the lead in the 16th minute when Matt Shipton raced down the right flank, before delivering a superb cross for another new signing Chris Head to smash home from 10 yards.

The home side should have increased their lead in the mid way through the half, when Martin Sullivan was brought down in the penalty area, by Richard Crabb. Sullivan took the resultant spot kick which was saved by Kai Stone.

This lifted the visitors and the rest of the first half was evenly contested, with the home side creating the best chances.

The second half produced some really good attacking football from both sides, but it was St Austell that equalised in the 61st minute as a shot from Kevin Lawrence was parried by Andy Meeds, with the ball falling kindly to Will Tinsley who fired home at the far post.

Things got worse for the Lambs when experienced defender Robbie Pethick had to go off with a groin injury. Soon after St Austell took the lead in the 72nd minute when Garry Whieldons cross was headed back across goal by Luke Rundle and hit the unfortunate Gary Williams to drop in the corner for an own goal.

The Lambs pushed forward in chase of an equaliser, and just when it looked as if they were not going to be rewarded for their efforts, they scored in the 89th minute, when Dave Hallett broke down the right and produced a perfect cross for Chris Head to smash the ball home at the far post giving Stone no chance.

This was a credit to both sides, providing an entertaining game for the spectators.

n This Saturday the Lambs visit Keynsham (Bristol) in the extra qualifying round of the FA Cup, kick off 3pm. Anyone wishing to travel please call 01822 613563.