Toolstation Western League

TAVISTOCK AFC 2

BRADFORD TOWN 4

THE Lambs suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost to Wiltshire side Bradford Town, a team that is fancied to be challenging for the league title at the end of the season.

The game got off to a fast start with both teams playing some eye catching football.

It was the visitors who opened scoring in the 15th minute when fine work by centre forward Pollard saw him provide a fine pass for Higdon who fired home from close range.

Tavistock had a fair share of possession but were finding it difficult to break down a well-drilled Bradford defence.

The visitors doubled their lead on the half hour with another fine attacking move which having opened up the home defence there was Pollard to calmly hit a perfect shot low into the corner of the net.

Within two minutes though the Lambs had reduced the deficit, when a fine move saw the ball find Jack Crago; he cut into the penalty area before playing a fine pass to Liam Prynn who flashed the ball home from ten yards.

Just before the interval from a corner kick Matt David saw his powerful header go just over the bar. Jack Crago then headed just wide of the target when well placed.

Two minutes before the interval things became worse for the home side when Warren Daw picked up a thigh injury and could take no further part in the game. He was replaced by Callum Watson.

Two goals in a five-minute spell early in the second half saw Bradford make the game safe for the visitors. Powell scored his team’s third goal, after the home team were punished for losing possession in the defensive third of the pitch. The fourth was another fine attacking move as Pollard made no mistake to claim his brace of goals. The pace and movement of the visitors was top class as they took control of the game.

The Lambs never gave up and were rewarded for their effort with 15 minutes to go when they were awarded a penalty for an infringement in the penalty area. Crago flashed the spot kick low into the corner of the net.

The home team continued to press forward and were almost rewarded when with five minutes remaining, Luke Brown hit a powerful drive from just outside the penalty area that looked destined for the top corner of the net but visitors’ goalkeeper Worton turned the ball away for a corner kick.

In time added on Worton made another great save to deny Jack Crago and see his team home to a well-deserved victory.

Club spokesman Derek Pethick said: ‘This game proved to be a learning curve for Tavistock and the higher standard of football played in this league. Everyone has to be on top of their game every week, if not, you will get punished. There were a number of good performances but one or two were below par and it showed. The work rate when not in possession was lacking in some areas and this allowed Bradford, with every man working their socks off, to take control of the match. You can definitely see why Bradford Town are fancied for the league title. So it’s onwards and upwards for the Lambs after this setback.’