Buildbase FA Vase first round proper

TAVISTOCK AFC 4

SHEPTON MALLET 1

TAVISTOCK AFC’s game against Shepton Mallett was fast paced and saw the home team dominate.

With both Ben Cross and Josh Robins unavailable through suspension, James Deburges and Jamie Roberts came into the team. With both Luke Brown still injured new signing Jordan Annear too his place. Reece Shanley, not fully recovered from his knock in mid week, could only take place on the substitutes bench.

The game got off to a fast start with both teams probing for an opening. The visitors created a couple of half chances but it was the Lambs that started to produce some fine passing football. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when another penetrating passing move resulted in Jack Crago flashing the ball home from 14-yards.

Six minutes later the home team doubled their advantage when another flowing move put Jack Crago in on goal, visiting goalkeeper Hill dragged him to the ground inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation awarding a penalty which Crago dispatched with aplomb.

The Lambs continued to dominate the game — they scored their third in the 23rd minute when Josh Grant took a free kick, which unlocked the Shepton defence for Jack Crago to slot the ball into the corner of the net to complete his hat-trick.

Three minutes later Hill in the visitors’ goal made a brilliant double save to deny Josh Grant, the rebound fell to Jordan Annear the keeper produced a second top quality save.

Early in the second half Josh Grant’s fine effort was well saved by Hill. The visitors dug deep to respond and their efforts were rewarded on the hour, when from a corner kick White powered home a header from five yards.

Shepton were now having their best period in the match, with Davis shooting wide of the target from 25-yards.

Manager Stuart Henderson made his first substitution with Alex Cairo replacing Liam Prynn. He was soon in the action and shot just over the bar minutes later.

The visitors continued to press for a second but the home defence were in fine form and with Josh Oak showing his class, they were a compact unit.

Near the end Brandon Roberts replaced Jordan Annear who had a fine debut with the club.

The Lambs sealed a comprehensive victory with four minutes remaining when a great break down the left saw Jack Crago provide the perfect cross for Alex Cairo to fire home.

Manager Henderson said that every player should be pleased with their performance: ‘Both James Deburges and Jamie Roberts had very good games and looked completely at home with this level of football.

‘Dan Evans and Warren Daw were excellent at the heart of the defence. Dave Hallett, Josh Grant and Tallan Burns controlled the midfield, Jordan Annear and Liam Prynn looked sharp up front and the irrepressible Jack Crago bagged another hat-trick, to seal the man of the match.’

Tavistock AFC have been drawn at home in the FA Vase second round to Exmouth Town, which will played on Saturday, November, kick-off 3pm.