CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENSINSULA PREMIER

SALTASH UNITED 1

TAVISTOCK AFC 4

KIMBERLEY Stadium at Saltash looked in good condition but it was a heavy ground underneath the players’ feet which made it difficult to play football.

For the visitors Mason Hughes returned from injury, with Josh Grant unavailable while recent signing Sam Davey from Launceston was on the subs’ bench.

The Lambs started on the front foot forcing a series of free kicks and corners, from one of which Jack Crago saw his shot go just wide. However, the Ashes looked dangerous during this early period. Tavistock custodian Josh Oak tipped away an effort from Ryan Richards and then saved well from a Sam Leary shot. Liam Prynn and Luke Brown went close for the visitors and Richards volleyed wide.

Further chances went begging for both sides but it was the home side who took the lead in the 38th minute. Josh Robins fouled on the edge of the area and Chris Menhennick’s free kick flew across the area and into the top of the net.

The Lambs went close before the break as Tyler Elliot shot wide and Crago saw his effort palmed up into the air by Ryan Rickard and the ball looked to be dropping in the net for the visitors but went agonisingly close over the bar.

The second half was just eight minutes old when the game turned on its head. Saltash were awarded a penalty for a foul on Richards - 2-0 and the Lambs would have had to fight to get back into the game but Oak brought off a fine spot kick from Dave Trott to keep them in contention.

A minute later and they were back on level terms as skipper Warren Daw rose to meet Dave Hallett’s corner to head home.

Just two minutes later and the Lambs were In front. Hughes and Luke Brown combined down the right with Hughes getting to the by-line sending in a low cross; Prynn got a touch to it to send the ball across the goal for Crago to tap home at the far post.

Davey then came on for Elliott for Tavistock and with 20 minutes left the Lambs increased their lead. The Lambs played some intricate passing in and around the home side’s penalty area resulting in Davey being fouled with the referee pointing to the spot.

Davey send Rickard the wrong way to put the Lambs 3-1 up.

The icing on the cake for Tavistock came with seven minutes remaining when from a Hallett corner Daw set up Davey to stab home from close range. Man of the match was Matt David.

This was another top performance from the Lambs against a side who will be challenging for honours at the end of the season. The win puts them back into second place with Argyle and teams below them having played more games.