Carlsberg South West Peninsula Premier

Tavistock AFC 3

Saltash 1

THE Lambs put a magnificent team performance to claim victory in the biggest game of the season so far.

The win now moves them five points clear of a Saltash side that had been top of the league for long spells. The game was watched by around 400 football fans who witnessed a very entertaining encounter between two quality teams.

Tavistock got off to a flying start, taking the lead in the seventh minute with the wind at their backs. Dave Hallett won the ball in midfield and his fine pass found Josh Grant, who provided the perfect pass to Glynn Hobbs.

His fierce shot was saved by Rickard, but he followed up the rebound to strike the vital opener.

After the early set back Saltash rallied. Four minutes later the away side saw their first effort on goal, a header from Hughes, go well wide of the target.

The visitors were now showing signs of why they have been so successful this season.

Their improvement brought an equaliser in the 25th minute, when a shot from Farrant took a wicked deflection off defender Dan Evans. The ball looped over Josh Oak into the top corner of the net.

The game was now flowing from end to end, with both teams playing some really good football and creating half chances in difficult conditions.

Both Barker and Richards had efforts go wide of the target, before Jack Crago shot well over and Warren Daw saw his shot well saved by Rickard.

Just before the interval, the Lambs regained the lead; Dan Evans flicked on a Dave Hallett corner and Jack Crago rose majestically at the far post to power home a header.

The Lambs got off to a flying start in the second half, with Josh Grant seeing his fine header brilliantly save by Rickard in the visitors’ goal just two minutes into the half. Jack Crago then saw his effort well saved and Glynn Hobbs also went close.

Tavistock deservedly increased their lead in the 54th minute with a fantastic passing move, culminating in the perfect cross from Glynn Hobbs for Josh Grant to fire home ten yards out.

Minutes later, Saltash were awarded a free kick in threatening territory but Trott’s 25-yard shot was well saved by Josh Oak. On the hour Rickard was again called into action to make another fine save to deny Jewell.

The hosts produced some really great passing football against the elements and looked the more likely to increase their lead, rather then concede.

Josh Grant was ruled offside when he was put in on goal by a fine pass from Jewell.

Both Shane Krac and Glynn Hobbs went close for the home team before Josh Oak had to make a fine save when he turned a fierce shot from Trott over the bar in the 88th minute.

Ricki Shepherd then made a penetrating run, brushing aside two defenders before passing to Glynn Hobbs, whose shot flashed just inches wide of the target. The final whistle then blew, giving the Lambs a well deserved victory.

This was a terrific team performance with everyone playing to their true potential.

The defence were magnificent, midfield was controlled with some great passing, and the forwards were superb with their movement off the ball.

If the team can maintain the same level of performance over the final nine games, they will be in with a great chance of challenging for the title.

This Saturday the first team are at home to Helston Athletic, kick off at 3pm.

The reserves are away to Polperro, kick off at 2.30pm.Pictures by James Bird.