Carlsberg South West Peninsula Premier

Tavistock AFC 4

Launceston 1

THE Lambs put in a wonderful display on Friday evening to secure a comfortable, well deserved victory over their local rivals Launceston which took them to the top of the league prior to Saturday’s fixtures.

The home team were in determined mood from the start and the visitors had to defend in numbers to deny them taking an early lead. Jack Crago went close with a fine header in the third minute, then Ryan Swain found Crago, his fine cross into the six yard box just out of the reach of the onrushing Danny Zallick.

Launceston then played their way into the game, having a period of controlled possession but The Lambs’ defence were in fine form and restricted them to few chances of testing Jack Ord in the home goal.

Stu Clarke probably had the best chance but he shot wide off the target. Ben Langdon then had his effort saved by Ord.

Tavistock opened the scoring just before the interval with a fabulous team move. Neat passing out from the defence found Ryan Swain. He whipped in a great cross for Danny Zallick to set up Dan Follett, who thundered an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.  

Jack Crago doubled the home team’s advantage early in the second half when he made a determined run to beat two defenders before slotting the ball home.

Launceston raised some hope for their supporters when they pulled a goal back in the 75th minute.

A counter attack found the home team short of numbers at the back. A fine cross from Sam Davey found Mike Burke unmarked at the back post. His perfect header found the top corner of the net and Ord had no chance of saving.

A minute later the Lambs restored their two goal lead when a terrific shot from Josh Robins rebounded off keeper Chenoweth and fell to Jack Crago who calmly picked his spot to score from close range.

Substitute Lewis Coombes then had a goal disallowed and Bobby Hopkinson saw his fierce shot go inches over the bar. Sam Davey then shot wide for the visitors. The Lambs continued to create chances and it was no surprise when Ryan Swain capped off a fine performance with a great pass that found Crago. He finished the chance with great aplomb to complete his hat trick.

The final whistle came with the home team still looking to increase their advantage.

Over the course of the match Tavistock played some high quality football that was pleasing to the eye and the team will try to keep up this high standard in their next match.

This Saturday the first team are away to Camelford, kick off at 3pm. The reserves are at home against Millbridge in the Devon Premier Cup, kick off at 2pm.