Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier

Tavistock AFC 3

Penzance 1

FOLLOWING their fourth defeat on the trot, it was important that the Lambs got back to winning ways against a Penzance side that still are striving for points this season.

The Lambs were without three of their regular starting line up through injuries, both centre backs, Ahern and David, along with winger Joe Carey. New signing Ian Holmes, a former Mansfield Town striker, and Shane Newall were unavailable for selection.

The Lambs had the ball in the net in the third minute, only to be ruled out for off side. Dean Southcott making his first start after a long term injury found Jarydd Kelly and his cross was slotted home by Ian Rooke, only to see the linesman flagging for off side. Three minutes later Jarryd Kelly was brought down but Chris Menhenick's powerful free kick was just wide of the target. The Lambs dominated the first 20 minutes and only a goal line clearance denied Dean Southcott from opening the scoring.

In the 25th minute Jarryd Kelly chased a long through ball from Menhenick, Kelly's pace took him clear of the centre back and he fired the ball underneath the advancing keeper Paul Williams, to give the Lambs a deserved lead.

Things got worse for the visitors in the 40th minute when they were forced to replace injured influential midfielder Matt Best. The Lambs failed to capitalise on several half chances as the Magpies showed plenty of resolve and this was rewarded when Retchford's low effort evaded Meeds and nestled in the bottom corner of the net two minutes before the interval.

Within a minute of the second period the Lambs were back in front. Josh Robbins low left wing cross flashed through a crowd of players to give Dean Southcott the easy task of tapping home from three yards. Ian Rooke and Kelly combined well to release Johnny Wyatt but his shot was well saved by Williams. Two minutes later Williams denied Dave Hallett when he pulled off another fine save. The visitors looked dangerous on the counter attack but the Lambs defence held firm.

With half an hour to go Johnny Morris replaced Ian Rooke and he was soon in the action playing a fine pass to Johnny Wyatt whose shot went agonisingly just wide with the keeper beaten.

The visitors never gave up and continued to try and press forward for an equaliser, and in the 68th minute Andy Meeds made a fine save when he pushed Harry Corrins cross- shot to safety.

The game was made safe for the Lambs in the 83rd minute when John Whyatt was up-ended in the penalty area and captain Chris Menhenick converted the resultant penalty kick to give the Lambs all three points. There were some good performance within the team but Josh Robbins was outstanding during the second half.

It was not a classic display by the Lambs, but it was crucial they returned to winning ways after four straight defeats.