FA Vase

WILLAND ROVERS 2

TAVISTOCK AFC 1

THE Lambs travelled to Willand who are currently third in the Western Premier League, one step higher in the FA pyramid system.

The game got off to a terrific start with both teams playing some excellent football each probing for the first opening.

It was the home team that got the breakthrough in the ninth minute, when a good move down the left flank and a deep cross was headed back across the goal by Alden and there was Stamp to fire the ball home.

The Lambs rallied and created a half chance five minutes later, before Alden went close for the home side as his shot went wide of the target from 20 yards.

A fine move saw Josh Grant give a powerful shot for Tavistock parried by the home keeper but no one was on hand to turn the rebound home.

The Lambs deservedly levelled the scores in the 28th minute when a pin point free kick by Tyler Elliot resulted in Grant gliding his perfectly placed header into the corner of the net.

Four minutes later Josh Oak was called upon to make a good save to deny Mortimore from scoring. Both teams continued to probe to take the lead, with both teams serving up some entertaining attacking football for the large crowd.

The second continued to replicate the first with the play flowing from end to end with little to choose between two evenly matched teams.

Searle in the home goal made a fine save turning a fierce shot from Josh Grant over the bar. He was again called into action to deny Jack Crago.

Back came Willand and Josh Oak had to make a great save to prevent Alden from scoring.

On the hour another fine move by the visitors resulted in a thunderbolt shot from Luke Brown inches wide of the target.

Then with minutes remaining the Lambs came close to taking the lead, when a terrific shot from Tallan Burns, which looked destined for the net, was diverted against the crossbar by keeper Searle and the ball fell to safety.

But then as extra time looked inevitable with neither side creating that big chance in the nervy last few minutes.

However in the 91st minute Willand won a corner kick, the ball was only partially cleared, a goalmouth scramble ensued; the first shot was blocked, the second shot rebounded and fell kindly for Guppy to stab the ball home from five yards to snatch victory.

This was a magnificent game of cup football between two evenly matched teams.

Credit must go to both teams for providing great entertainment for the large crowd.

Although the Lambs players and management must be really ‘gutted’ at losing, they can be proud of their performance.