IT was a long time coming . . . Two and a half years after they started playing together, the lads of Tavistock Thistles U18s have finally netted a winner. They defeated Cornish side St Cleer 3-2 in the Horsham League at Mary Tavy on Sunday — and if they can secure one more point they will avoid finishing the season at the bottom of the league. It was the Thistles' first victory since they began playing as under 15s. But coach and manager Martin Harris said there was still a lot of work to do and the result 'would not go to their heads'. He said: 'Obviously, they are very happy about it, and I am happy for them. Never did a group deserve a victory more than the Thistles team — win, lose or draw they go out and enjoy themselves.' Martin said four of the team were 'playing through the pain barrier' — the keeper had badly swollen fingers, another player had a broken finger, one was having treatment for a bad back and one had a swollen ankle. And there was another reason for the team to celebrate on Saturday — they were presented with a cheque for £300 from their sponsors, Tracey and Wayne Whittingham, of the Plymouth Chiropractic Clinic. The money from their sponsors has been used to buy kit and training equipment. Pictured with the cheque is team captain Alan Kirby. See page 55 for match report. Picture by James Bird
