South West two

Plymouth University C 0

FACING their second game of 2017 and travelling through torrential rain with only the bare 11 players, three making their league and B team debuts, Tavistock knew this would be a tough and difficult fixture.

A 4-3-3 formation was used, experience at the back, a youthful midfield (average age 15) and old and young up front; the match was a real learning curve for all.

From the start pressure was applied from all quarters with the entire Tavistock team putting a shift. Gregory on the right side of midfield was finding plenty of space and executed some fine runs deep into the opponents’ territory, releasing the ball with precision into the ‘D’, this allowed the rampant forwards some good goal opportunities with the Uni keeper making some fine saves.

Walker set up many Tavistock attacks releasing the forward line of Andrews and Ho, but also finding Seeley on the left who was able to work his way into the ’D’ on many occasions to good effect.

University made several attacks of their own throughout the half, but in the main these were able dealt with by Cull, Steed, Thomas and Glanville, the latter who was in fine form making several telling strong and long passes to relieve the pressure. At the interval the teams went in level at the break!

Tavistock had no substitutes but their energy levels did not slack off - in fact, the opposite was true. Walker covered an immense amount of ground and was everywhere; Ho, who had a fine game, carried out his defensive duties perfectly and when in their D had two aggressive shots saved by their keeper.

Andrews continued to threaten as did Gregory. Steed was making some fine runs of his own deep into their half, but was always to be denied.

The deadlock finally came with a short corner routine — Andrews to Seeley who set up Steed applying an unstoppable flick. So good was this routine that it was executed two more times and had exactly the same effect — goals!

Tavistock goalkeeper Oxenham had five shots on target and they were all saved .

The Tavistock team covered the ground and showed commitment and the desire to win. This much needed win consolidates Tavistock third team’s position in the league.