DJM U14s Raleigh
Tavistock Thistles U14s 3
Lipson United U14s 2
THISTLES proved how far they had progressed this season by defeating Lipson, a team that had beaten them 9-5 back in September.
Lipson took the lead when Burgess cut in from the right and hit a fine shot past Thistles' keeper and captain, Roger Blandford.
Despite being a goal down, Thistles' new defensive line-up gave them a more solid look. Their heads didn't drop and they fashioned an equaliser when man of the match, Corey Hancock slotted the ball past the Lipson keeper.
Nathan Holland bossed the midfield and before half-time Thistles took the lead. Corey saw his shot blocked by the keeper, but Rory Kirkman was quick to the follow-up for Thistles' second goal.
Lipson's keeper was having an outstanding match and made several fine saves.
In the second half Lipson came back but their long-ball tactic was dealt with efficiently by a resilient Thistles' defence.
Connor Hall and Kieran Calvert were strong in the centre of the defence and full-backs, Jordan Quinn and Patrick Powell both kept their flanks secure. However, Lipson equalised when a quickly taken free kick from outside the box was tapped in by McDonald from six yards.
But Thistles' fighting sprit couldn't be faulted. Nathan Holland capped a determined display in midfield by slotting through an inch perfect pass to Will Lane, whose speed took him clear of the Lipson defence. As the formidable Lipson keeper made himself large, Will placed a sweet shot into the corner of the net for Thistles' winner.