South West one

OPMs 1

TAVISTOCK A MEN 1

THIS was a test for Tavistock A at Lipson Community College as Old Plymouth Mannameadians are near the top of the league.

 Fast-paced from the start, the game quickly became enthralling. OPM’s structure was superb – short, sharp passing. moving them around the pitch rapidly, while Tavistock challenged for every ball and continuously forced the attackers onto the back foot.

 Midfield was key and Tavistock’s young players showed skill and maturity, steadily wresting control from the experienced OPMs side.

Both sides had opportunities, but in the 19th minute Will Russell for the visitors unleashed an extraordinary back-stick strike from the edge of the D, almost on the touchline. The angle seemed impossible and the keeper surely couldn’t have expected a shot, but in it went for 1-0 to Tavistock.

OPMs threw everything at Tavistock who remained solid, diverting attacks wide where Campbell, Honey, Hanson and Kirwin kept them away from sweeper Anning. Goalkeeper Fletcher dealt cleanly with threats. Shortly before half-time OPMs equalised when a scramble in front of the Tavistock goal unsighted the keeper and the ball popped out from a forest of legs and sticks into the goal.

The second half was thrilling with both sides attacking and countering. The game was physical but never bad tempered. The forwards continued to make chances and the midfield knitted the plays together beautifully.

Both sides won three penalty corners but could not break the impasse and the match ended as a highly creditable 1-1 draw.

Tavistock goalkeeper Billy Fletcher was man-of-the-match. He made key saves, read the game brilliantly and was a powerful presence on the pitch.