Toolstation Western League Premier

CLEVEDON TOWN 1

TAVISTOCK AFC 2

TAVISTOCK Football Club have started life in the Western League Premier Division with a hugely encouraging away day win over Clevedon Town, last season’s sixth placed side.

With the squad mostly retained from last season’s promotion winning side, Tavistock were hopeful of a good start to this season’s opening fixture.

They had reason to come into the game feeling positive, having held a Plymouth Argyle XI to a 0-0 draw in their final pre-season warm-up game.

Maybe it was the laborious trip up the M5 in the usual August holiday traffic or maybe the Lambs gave Clevedon too much respect but within four minutes they found themselves 1-0 down following a header from Lucas Vowles that sailed over Josh Oak’s fingertips. 

Tavistock had to weather a further storm when in the 15th minute the Lambs’ defence had to clear a shot off the line before Clevedon’s George King stuck a shot against the crossbar.

The Lambs went into half-time 1-0 down.

After the early setback, Tavistock settled and found their feet; with 53 minutes on the clock Luke Brown equalised from a pass down the right side, cutting inside to beat the defender and hitting a crisp strike into the top left hand corner of the net to make the score 1-1. 

At this point the game was a true contest, with Clevedon Town creating chances to regain the lead — they had a fine effort from a free kick tipped over the bar by Oak at full stretch.

The Lambs took the lead with a strong header from Dan Evans, converting from a corner.

They were able to keep the hosts at bay to hold out for a promising first win of the season.

Tavistock manager Stu Henderson summed up the performance: ‘I was disappointed with our tempo, work rate and our inability to be efficient in possession during the first half.

‘A lack of quality and not taking care of the ball was instrumental in their goal which was disappointing from our point of view.

‘The half time team talk was a collective chat and felt we played with far more intensity, passion and commitment which allowed us to dominate the second half.

‘I’m really pleased for the lads and everyone involved with the club to record our first away win in the Western League at Clevedon Town.’

Man of the match was Tavistock’s Luke Brown.