Southern one

TORBAY 4

TAVISTOCK A 1

TAVISTOCK only took 11 players to Torquay, so were always going to have to work hard.

Torbay were skilful and experienced and attacked continuously for 15 minutes. Tavistock had to claw their way into the game, with keeper Bertie McErlaine defending valiantly to keep them in it.

The visitors dug in and Torbay’s tactic — firing the ball fast from the 23 metre line — was not finding a striker. Tavistock began to make breaks and in the 20th minute a great pass put captain Hugh Venton through and he made no mistake, sliding the ball under the keeper. Very much against the play, it gave Tavistock the lead, holding it until half-time.

Torbay came back hard, launching a flurry of assaults on Tavistock’s goal. It only took seven minutes before they equalised and 10 minutes later a penalty corner provided them with the lead. Tavistock would not give up and launched more breaks. Joe Rizk looked dangerous, creating real chances on the left wing and Dee Kirwan came close. 

Team discipline was tight — players held their positions and making Torbay sweat out every gain. Tavistock tackled hard, never letting up but with 10 minutes to go had to push everyone forward and Torbay took advantage, scoring two further goals.

The 4-1 score did not really reflect an exciting match of contrasting styles — Torbay structured and patient, Tavistock making plays on the break. Tavistock’s scratch defence were exceptional with Will Russell and James Lamb working tirelessly in the midfield.