Toolstation Western premier

TAVISTOCK AFC 2

KEYNSHAM TOWN 1

TAVISTOCK recorded another hard earned victory to continue their climb up the league table and are now currently in seventh with games in hand on the teams just above them.

The home team started on the front foot putting the Keynsham defence under pressure, forcing a couple of corner kicks in the opening minutes.

In the fifth minute Jack Crago saw his fine effort well saved by Clark and two minutes later a great passing move put Jordan Annear in on goal but his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Clark.

The breakthrough came two minutes later when another excellent move opened up the Keynsham defence and a perfect cross from the right flank was headed home by Jordan Annear.

The Lambs continued to dominate the game creating many scoring opportunities - Annear had a shot cleared off the goal line; shortly afterwards in the 25th minute a powerful shot from Josh Grant cannoned back of the post. The framework of the goal denied the home team for a second time, when Dave Hallett’s powerful free kick hit the post and was scrambled clear.

Just before the interval Josh Robins then produced a penetrating run but once again his fine effort was turned away for a corner kick by Clark.

The second half started in similar fashion as the first with Tavistock controlling proceedings. Jack Crago made a penetrating run and his fine cross saw Annear’s fine header superbly saved by Clark.

The Lambs deservedly doubled their advantage just before the hour mark; a great passing move from back to front saw Dave Hallett find Grant, who played the perfect pass for Annear to rifle the ball home from 20 yards.

Tavistock manager Stuart Henderson then made a substitution with Luke Brown replacing Liam Prynn. Brown was soon in the action forcing a fine save from Clark to deny him from scoring.

Tom Strike then replaced Robins, as the Lambs continued to press for that elusive third goal. Alex Cairo then replaced Crago with ten minutes remaining.

Keynsham showed a tremendous spirit in the later stages and got their reward when they reduced the arrears with eight minutes remaining when Brown shot home from 12 yards.

Keynsham pushed for an equaliser but the Lambs’ defence held firm in the closing stages in order to record another hard earned victory.

The home side dominated possession in the first half creating a barrage of opportunities but were thwarted by a determined Keynsham defence and excellent goal keeping performance by their goalkeeper Clark.

The game should have been over as a contest before the interval, but credit to Keynsham they defended ‘doggedly’ and kept it to a single goal.

It was a good all round team performance by the Lambs but the man of the match was just edged by Dave Hallett’s masterful display in midfield from Jordan Annear’s brace of goals.