WHAT an amazing season at Tavistock AFC for both the firsts and the reserve teams. 

Following last season's relegation to the South West Peninsula East division for the firsts, there was great pressure on the new management team of Kevin Hendy and Darren Stewart to develop a title-contending squad.

In the seconds there was another new management trio of Stewart Cawte, Steve Cook and Mark Blanks which needed to rebuild a depleted East Cornwall Premier side into a competitive force that could also support the firsts.

Chris Fenner, the club chairman, told the Times: 'Fortunately, both management and players, new and old, were superb during pre-season and looked in fantastic shape for the season that lay ahead.

'The season started well for both sides, with the Lambs in the mix in their respective leagues but, as winter came and went, both teams were facing a tough spring to realise our ambitions.

'For the firsts in particular, worsening playing conditions on the road in an unpredictable league led to points being lost and promotion slipping from our grasps.  Following a disappointing loss at home to Galmpton, with eleven games remaining, most in the local footballing fraternity had written us off, especially with no fewer than five other teams very much in contention for a top three finish.

'Week in, week out, at home and on the road, both teams went on a relentless pursuit of glory.'

The seconds earned a creditable second place in the East Cornwall Premier, which was won by Torpoint. However, the tables were turned as Tavistock AFC Reserves beat the league champions 3-0 in the League Cup Final held at St Blazey. 

The firsts did not disappoint; the team secured promotion to the Premier division at the first attempt, a fantastic achievement for all involved.  They went even better to take the league title on goal difference with a near identical record to Appledore.

Chris added: 'With so much success on the field for both sides, our celebrations were perhaps a little muted following the decision of our first team managers, Kevin and Darren, to take up a fresh challenge next season at our rivals Plymouth Parkway.

'However, whilst we are very saddened to see them leave, all at Tavistock remain extremely grateful to both Kevin and Darren for delivering us promotion and a team raring to compete in the top flight, where they belong.

'I wish to thank players, management, committee, matchday volunteers, sponsors and our loyal supporters for making this a memorable year and a perfect springboard for next season.'

Another delighted Lamb was Lewis Daw, the first team captain, who said: 'It's been an extremely exciting season. We were virtually a new team at the beginning, which caused us to have an inconsistent start. A lot of people wrote us off at Christmas, but we dug deep and grew as a team.

'Our end of the season was phenomenal. Everybody involved was in fantastic form and I feel like we were unbeatable.  It was a pleasure to be the captain of such a great group of players, management and club.'

First team manager Kevin Hendy was also 'over the moon': 'Well, what an amazing achievement for all involved at TAFC in gaining promotion at the first attempt. To achieve this at any level of football is quite special and a season I will never forget as a manager.

'Our only aim this season when we set out back in June 2014 was to gain promotion back to the premier division where a club of this size and fantastic facilities should be playing. We were so determined as a group to achieve what we had set out to do and despite several setbacks along the way we always remained confident that we would complete the task.

'We achieved promotion away at Crediton with two games still to play. The icing on the cake for us all was getting promoted as champions where we emphatically won the championship on the last day of the season at Langsford Park against a determined Sidmouth Town in front of a fantastic crowd and atmosphere. Our end to the season was quite amazing with 11 straight victories whilst maintaining 10 clean sheets in 12 matches. This consistency ensured we got what we deserved from a very difficult season.

'I am so delighted for the club and the people behind the scenes who work tirelessly. Without their help and support this would not have been achieved. After the massive disappointment of relegation the season before it was so nice to see the smiles back on the faces of them all.

'The players, managers, physio and club linesman all also deserve immense credit, turning up training every week in all weathers and travelling all over Devon on Saturday afternoons. The attitudes and commitment of everyone throughout the whole season was terrific and proved instrumental in making us champions. I thank everyone who has been involved this historic season and played their part.'