Conference South

Tavistock 6

Shepton Mallet 1

TAVISTOCK knew the importance of a quick start and were keen to impress early on and things looked like going to plan when Sam Blonden smashed in the opening goal after just 10 minutes.  

The home side looked composed in possession of the ball as they looked to create further chances on goal with a  number of players going close but the Shepton keeper was in fine form as he was able to deny Blonden, Richards, Stanbury and Carr from adding to the goal tally early on.

The visitors looked dangerous on the counter attack and they did draw level with 10 minutes remaining of the first half.

An example of excellent umpiring helped out the home side early in the second half when the visitors had appeared to take the lead — after a consultation between umpires Reynolds and Hodge the goal was dissallowed due to it going in off the attacker’s foot and this proved the catalyst for an inspired second half performance from the home side.  

Fenwick gave Tavistock a 2-1 lead when he converted a penalty stroke, the lead was soon extended when Stanbury raced through on goal and beat the keeper with a clever finish on his backhand.  

Fenwick and Richards combined at a penalty corner for the player coach to score his second moments before Ben Hancox was rewarded for his persistence as he stole the ball of a Shepton defender to make it 5-1.  

With just seconds left the home side won another penalty corner and again Fenwick and Richards combined, this time the latter scored with a clever deflection. The win combined with other results means Tavistock sit in second place on goal difference but level on points with both North Somerset and Exeter University.