OPM B 0

AFTER the previous encounter between these two sides, where Tavistock managed eight goals, there was an air of expectancy with this game — then in walks the Old Plymouth Mann-ameadians’ first team keeper!

The game started at the usual fast pace with Tavistock on the attack. With Orman returning to dangerous form and Walker hitting a purple patch, Tavistock were ripping into the visitors’ defence.

The ball was worked well through from defence to the forwards, and with Elliott adding pace in the midfield, goals were looking to come. The OPM keeper Payne, was stopping everything. Time after time Tavistock were through, but with Payne in outstanding form, the deadlock was hard to break.

Tavistock kept to their game plan and the structure was really working and giving Tavistock overall control. The backline of Honey, Hanson, Tosdevin and the lively McDougal, were never really threatened and when there was an OPM break, it was mopped up and distributed back to the midfield to take the attack back to OPMs. Osborne in goal, controlled any danger that arose and cleared masterfully.

After half time Tavistock knew they had to keep the same structure in the hope of breaking down the resistance. Frustrations were beginning to tell, when shot after shot was parried by the keeper. Eventually the breakthrough came late in the game via Andrews, who slotted the first from a tight angle after some good work across the D.

The second and third swiftly followed via another strike from Andrews and the competitive Walker. Tavistock really had to battle for this win and it was a fine performance, which showed patience and team structure, along with some great attacking play.