Jewson South Western League

Tavistock 0

Callington Town 1

THIS was the first league match for Callington in seven weeks but their performance, particularly in the first period, belied that fact and they held on to secure a satisfying win over their rivals in the first Tamar derby of the season at Langsford Park on Saturday.

The Lambs were still without the services of Darren Babb. Lee Beer was also unavailable and manager Steve Hart called up his recently appointed Assistant Dave Symons in defence.

Callington manager Ian Southcott has been gradually blooding up and coming youngsters and this match was no exception as Town had the better of the first half exchanges with 20-year-old Chris Gerry especially, causing problems for the Lambs defence.

Callington's dominance brought them the only goal early on. Town stalwart Gary Smith was the provider as his cross found Bradley Swiggs who headed past Andy Meeds in the Tavistock goal.

Lamb John Gosling shot wide then saw Burgoyne save another, Lee Cansfield went close and the visitors' defender Matt Hawke jinked through the Tavistock defence only to shoot over before the interval.

Gerry had to be substituted shortly before half-time having been the victim of one unpunished foul too many and although Tavistock did put on the pressure after the break, Callington were more than comfortable at the back with Phil Burgoyne in the Town goal rarely troubled.

The Lambs did see an effort cleared off the line and Meeds saved well from substitute Chris Truscott.

Callington had a good chance to go two up when on a break Swiggs rounded Meeds out wide to send a cross in but Craig Hodge rushed back to head clear. Gosling then came to the Lambs rescue to clear off the goal-line.

Brian Baker of the Callington back room staff was full of praise for the spirit and determination of his side and said the result should encourage a good crowd for their next match, a boxing day encounter with Newquay at Ginsters Marshfield Parc.

Lambs assistant manager Dave Symons said: ' Callington were up for it from the start and battled hard for everything and deserved it. We did not compete enough throughout.'

l Tavistock fixtures — Saturday, P&D George Gillan Cup Tavistock v Wessex Rangers, Langsford Park, kick-off 2 pm.

Boxing Day, Jewson SWL Tavistock v Liskeard away kick-off 2.30pm.

New Year's Day Jewson SWL Cup quarter-final .

Tavistock v Plymouth Parkway Langsford Park, kick-off, 3pm.