Toolstation Western

TAVISTOCK AFC 1

WESTBURY UNITED 1

WITH Josh Oak not available, Jack Ord took over the goalkeeping duties for Tavistock. Ben Cross and Josh Robins, both serving suspensions, and injured Luke Brown were unavailable for selection.

Westbury came into this game on the back of a good run having won their last four league games, occupying seventh position in the league table.

The game got off to a fast start with both teams playing some fine football. It was the Lambs that opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a fine move saw the ball find Jack Crago who provided the inch perfect cross for Warren Daw to slot home from close range.

Play continued to flow from end to end but both defences were in fine form, Westbury keeper Baloy making two fine saves to deny Jordan Annear and Jack Crago from increasing the Lambs’ lead.

Home keeper Jack Ord made a good save to deny Hulbert and defender James Deburges made a goal line clearance to ensure Tavistock took a single goal lead at the interval. The Lambs were forced to make a change at half time as Jack Crago had picked up an injury.

Tavistock increased the tempo in their play in the second half and created four great scoring opportunities in the opening 15 minutes. The first was a fine passing move that opened up the visitors’ defence; the ball found Liam Prynn, his excellent pass put Josh Grant in on goal but he dragged his shot wide of the target from six yards.

Two minutes later a powerful shot from Tallan Burns was parried by Baloy in the visitors’ goal, the ball fell to Prynn, who lifted his shot over the bar from five yards out.

Tallan Burns then saw his fine effort well saved by Baloy. Just before the hour mark Josh Grant headed wide from a Dave Hallett corner kick. The Lambs really should have made this period of pressure tell and extend their lead, making the game safe. However, Westbury weathered the storm and gradually got a foothold back in the game and started to pose a threat with some fine counter attacks.

Tavistock manager Stuart Henderson made a substitution in the 70th minute when Alex Cairo replaced Tallan Burns. He was soon in the action providing a fine pass to the impressive Jordan Annear, but his fine effort was well saved by Baloy.

The Lambs paid the penalty for missing their goal scoring opportunities in the 84th minute when they conceded a scrappy goal, when from a free kick taken by Jordan the ball was bundled over the line by Robinson in a goalmouth scramble.

The dying minutes saw both teams looking for the winner. Jamie Roberts replaced Prynn. Neither team could find that elusive winning goal, as they played out a draw.

Tavistock will be disappointed in dropping two points, in a game they should have won, with more composure and clinical finishing in front of goal. The game should have won in the dominant period of play early in the second half, when they missed out on four or five really good scoring opportunities. They must now put this disappointing result behind them and be ready for the next fixture.

There were some good performances, Dave Hallett having a fine game in midfield. Dan Evans and Warren Daw were excellent at the heart of the defence. Jordan Annear was impressive with his control and distribution.