Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier

Plymouth Argyle Reserves 0

Tavistock AFC 2

THE Lambs put in a terrific performance to defeat top of the table Argyle Reserves and maintain their challenge in the top three. It was a brilliant game with both teams playing some delightful pass and move football.

Tavistock welcomed the return of Dan Evans at the centre of their defence having missed the last two games but captain Lewis Daw missed out through injury.

The Pilgrims controlled possession in the early stages but the Lambs’ defence were in great form, being superbly marshalled by Dan Evans.

The Lambs first chance came in when a good move with Josh Robins and Luke Brown exchanging passes ended with Brown’s  shot deflected for a corner kick.

The hosts almost got a breakthrough in the 16th minute when a tremendous run and cross by Battle was inches out of the reach of the on rushing Rooney. Josh Oak was called upon to make a good save to deny Battle from scoring.

Minutes later a good move by Argyle set up Fletcher but his shot was just wide of the target.

Luke Brown then made a penetrating run, his cross into the six yard box saw Argyle defender Rose make a great clearance. Glynn Hobbs was then denied by Argyle keeper Cooper.

Just before the interval Argyle were awarded a free kick 22 yards from goal but Calver’s  thunderbolt was just wide of the target.

The Pilgrims had the greater share of possession but the Lambs’ defence were in no mode to concede, their marking and tackling was of the highest quality, so the first half remained goalless.

Jack Crago replaced Luke Brown at the start of the second half.

The Lambs started the second half with a more positive approach, putting the Argyle defence under more pressure, but it was Argyle that nearly took the lead when from a corner kick Josh Oak had to make a fine save — the ball fell to Rooney but his shot flew over the bar.

Two minutes later Calver followed suite and fired well over from 20 yards.

The Lambs then put together a great move, when Cross made a great penetrating run down the right, his inch perfect pass found Ricki Shepherd but his shot was brilliantly saved by Cooper.

Teigan Rosenquest replaced Shepherd on the hour, this resulted in Tavistock being more attack minded; it had an immediate effect, when he found Hobbs — the return pass saw Rosenquest shoot just wide from 20 yards. Fine work by Hobbs saw Jack Crago force Cooper to make another fine save.

The Lambs took the lead in the 75th minute when a great ball from, Steve Rogers found Crago in the penalty area where he was brought down. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, up stepped Hobbs to shoot low into the corner of the net.

Tavistock were now on top and increased their lead five minutes later when Hobbs provided a perfect pass to put Crago in on goal; he calmly slotted the ball pass the advancing keeper into the goal.

Argyle continued to press forward to try and get an equaliser but they found a defiant Lambs’ defence.

Argyle were reduced to ten men when Bentley received a second yellow for a tackle on Crago.

The Lambs saw the game out to record a fine victory to keep them near the top of the table. It was a great all round team performance, everyone playing their part.

There were a number of good individual performances but the man of the match was Dan Evans who was superb throughout marshalling a defence that never looked liked being breached.