Tavistock making history

TAVISTOCK progressed to the fifth round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history as Jordan Annear’s goal gave them a narrow 1-0 win at Western League rivals Bridgwater, writes Eric Pinch.

The close score did not reflect the pattern of the game as the visitors were on the front foot for the first 20 minutes.

They forced six corners, all to no avail, while Annear set up Josh Robins, who saw his shot tipped over the bar by home goalkeeper Jake Viney.

Annear’s attempted lob of the keeper saw the ball just drop over the crossbar and Viney then made a double save off Annear and Josh Grant.

The home side weathered this early onslaught and got themselves back into the game. Jack Taylor wasted a good chance by sending the ball high over the bar on 22 minutes and again, on the half hour, he flashed an effort across goal.

The Lambs continued to attack for the remainder of the half with Tallen Burns cutting inside to send the ball over.

There was strong appeals for a home penalty on 40 minutes but the referee was having none of it with play continuing.

It was an entertaining first half, with the Lambs having the lion’s share of possession and attacks and they should have really gone in at the break at least a goal up.

The second half was a dingdong affair with both sides searching for the elusive opener. Sam Towler, for the home side, headed just wide prior to the hour and the referee’s notebook came to use for the first time on the hour to caution the home skipper Mark Armstrong.

The game turned on 65 minutes for the Lambs when Tyler Elliott came on for Callum Watson. His second touch saw him shoot and all Viney could do was parry the ball intpo the path of Annear to tap home.

Substitute Liam Prynn then won a penalty after he was brought down when rounding the keeper, who then saved Jack Crago’s spot kick to keep the Robins in with a shout to level the scores and take the game to penalties. But it was not to be as Prynn had another chance to increase the Lambs lead but headed over when well placed.

Despite the narrow scoreline, it was a fully deserved victory for Stuart Henderson’s side, who will now face United Services Portsmouth at Langsford Park this Saturday. Sadly for the supporters, it will again be played behind closed doors.