South West Two

Dart A 4

DART A beat Tavistock A 3-0 earlier in the season, and are chasing the league’s top spot.

They began aggressively, but the Tavistock defence held and the home side launched their first counter-attack in the fourth minute with Venton seized the first chance of the match, putting Tavistock unexpectedly ahead.

However, Tavistock have been caught out several times this season, conceding goals within minutes of the whistle, and apparently still have not learned the lesson. Dart came straight back and within seconds of the push-back were in Tavistock’s ‘D’ – a clean strike and it was 1-1 seconds after the re-start.

Dart began to dominate down their left, and took a controversial lead when a player appeared to ‘head’ the ball before it finished in the Tavistock goal. Tavistock focused, and Venton made a run down the left wing creating a great cross that Walker was happy to finish, making the game even at half time.

Ten minutes into the second half Dart regained the lead with another counter-attack. Tavistock fought back but were hampered by a period of poor passing. Just as they regained their composure, Dart seized a half-chance. Tavistock were expecting the ball to run off the back of the pitch when it was rescued by a Dart player, who squeezed in an unexpected shot that rolled under Osborne’s pads. Tavistock could not recover the two-goal deficit.

Young players provided many Tavistock highlights. Luke Maxa, Isaac Staig and Will Russell did stirling work, Solly Kurtzman and Dom Walker provided pace up front, but it was Izaak Kirwin who Tavistock earned man of the match at right back, tackling hard all game.

Tavistock look forward to coach Dale Wood returning for the last three matches of the season as they bid to finish in the top half of the table.