Western premier

BRIDPORT 0

TAVISTOCK AFC 1

TAVISTOCK’s Dan Evans broke down in the pre-match warm up so he was replaced in the starting line XI by Callum Watson. The Lambs had the advantage of a strong wind in their favour in the first half.

The visitors started well with Jack Crago shooting inches wide of the target in the opening minute. Both Liam Prynn and Jack Crago went close before a great effort by Jordan Annear was superbly pushed away for a corner kick by Bridport keeper Wells-Burr.

The Lambs continued to dominate the game, creating several really good scoring opportunities but more good goalkeeping and some last ditch defending, with blocked shots that looked destined for the net, kept it goalless.

Handyside went close for Bridport, before the visitors achieved the breakthrough they deserved on the half hour mark. From a corner kick, the ball was not cleared and Jordan Annear was the first to react in a goalmouth scramble to ram the ball home from three yards.

The Lambs continued to control the play and with better composure in front of goal; they would have added to their advantage, with both Annear, Crago and Josh Grant all having efforts well saved by Wells-Burr in the home goal to keep the Lambs’ lead to a single goal at the interval.

With the elements in the favour of Bridport in the second half, the game became a more even contest and Tom Watson in the Tavistock goal was called upon to make a smart save to deny Clarke from levelling the score.

With the playing surface deteriorating as the game progressed the Lambs were finding it more and more difficult to maintain their normal accurate passing.

Tavistock were now relying on counter attacks, with the home team pushing for an equaliser. Tom Watson in the visitors’ goal made another smart save to deny Clarke for the second time.

Luke Brown replaced Grant and was soon in the action as he shot wide of the target when well placed. Bridport were now putting the Lambs’ defence under real pressure but with Warren Daw and Tom Annear in terrific form they were finding it difficult to break them down.

Manager Henderson made another substitution in the 80th minute with Tallan Burns replacing Crago; minutes later Alex Cairo replaced Liam Prynn.

With five minutes remaining the Lambs had a really good chance to make the game safe with Dave Hallett finding Burns with a great pass, but his shot went inches over the bar.

It was backs to the wall in the closing stages but the Lambs’ defence held firm to secure their ninth straight league win.

Once again the Lambs will be disappointed that they did not put this game out of reach of Bridport by half time. The whole team must take credit for their all round performance in difficult playing conditions. There were a number of good performances with the back four — Warren Daw and Tom Annear outstanding — with Josh Robins and Ben Cross both in great form. The midfield worked their socks off with Callum Watson and Dave Hallett dictating play for long periods.

Jordan Annear put in a good performance leading the front line and scoring that all important match winning goal.