Les Philips Cup

CALNE TOWN 0

TAVISTOCK AFC 4

THIS first round cup tie had already seen two postponements, one for a waterlogged pitch and the other making way for a postponed FA Vase tie. It looked like it was going the same way for a third time as Langsford Park was again under water.

However, credit must go to both clubs and the Western League for hastily arranging the game to be played at Calne Town’s ground

The Lambs were without custodian Josh Oak and Warren Dawe, Reece Shanley and Luke Brown were absent to injury. Recent signing Ben Elphink continued in goal and another signing Tom Strike slotted into a central defence position. James Desforges again stepped up to replace Robbins. Calum Watson returned from illness to sit on the bench.

An early chance for both sides as Strike saw his header, from a Dave Hallett corner, come back off the upright. Calne’s Hudson worked himself to the by-line to cut the ball back for Hudson who saw his effort tipped away for a corner.

It was the visitors who went ahead when Jack Crago was sent away down the wing for him to cut inside full back Witchell to send the ball low past Thompson at the near post. This game could have been settled in the first half but Jordan Annear’s final touch let him down as he went in on goal on the half hour but he soon made amends when from a Hallett corner Crago headed back across goal for him to stab home from close range.

The home side are riding high in division one of the league and despite playing some good football across the back and midfield lacked the cutting edge up front.

Just prior to the end of the first half the Lambs had another chance to increase their lead when Ben Cross and Josh Grant combined to set up Annear but his snap shot from close range flew over the bar.

The second half started in the same vein with the Lambs taking the game to their opponents but they escaped the home side reducing the deficit when from a through ball Sibley stabbed the ball past Elphink only to see his effort go the wrong side of the post.

On 55 minutes the game was more or less over when Desforges sent Crago up the wing to send in a low cross that Grant controlled, turned and shot low past Thompson.

Tavistock were now in total control of the game allowing the hard working Hallett to be replaced by Callum Watson.

The Lambs capped a fine display when near to the end Desforges, Liam Prynn, Annear and Crago combined for the latter to shoot home for a fine home/away victory to send the Lambs into the next round where they will face Premier opponents Clevedon at Langsford Park on Wednesday, November 27.