Cross-Tamar derby at Langsford Park
TAVISTOCK manager Stuart Henderson has called on the local football public to turn out in force as two of the region’s top Western League sides go head to head at Langsford Park tonight.
Henderson’s Lambs returned to the top of the table this past week after a 1-0 win at Brislington, coupled with Mousehole and Exmouth drawing 0-0 at Trungle Parc and the Lambs then increased their lead to four points after thrashing Clevedon Town 4-1 and Mousehole again drawing 0-0, this time at Helston Athletic.
Tonight, they host Saltash United and the Ashes are by no means out of the title race themselves after a fantastic run of six straight wins in March saw them close to within seven points of Tavi, although they have played a game more.
If Dane Bunney’s in-form side are to win the title, then they have to win tonight making it a must-see match for football enthusiasts across the region.
“It is going to be really tough but at the same time, I think it will be a great evening of football for local football,” Henderson said.
“There are two good sides and a lot of the players from each team know each other well, so there are friendships shared between both groups and we certainly have a lot of respect for them and I am sure they do for us.
“It should make for a good evening of football and it is a local derby as well, so I am sure there will be all guns blazing from both teams.”
Both teams had fine wins in the week with Saltash winning 2-0 at Street on Wednesday and Tavistock turning in perhaps their best performance of the season to beat Clevedon Town 4-1 24 hours earlier.
After a blip which saw them lose three games in a row for the first time in several years, the Lambs have responded well with that win over
Clevedon coming at just the right time for Henderson.
“We have got lads that have won leagues and it is that time of the season where it’s all about getting the job done,” he said. “Obviously I am delighted with where we are and I thought we were very good on Tuesday, but it counts for nothing if we don’t get over that line.
“There are nerves and there is a tension – you could sense it on Tuesday night – but sometimes, the lads give even more when there is that nervous energy and anticipation. I feels the boys are in a good place.
After Tavistock and Saltash do battle tonight, it is the turn of title challengers Mousehole and Exmouth tomorrow. Jake Ash’s side welcome Bitton to Trungle Parc, while kevin Hill’s Exmouth face a tough clash at Helston Athletic.
Elsewhere in the division, Buckland Athletic travel to Ashton & Backwell, Ilfracombe Town are at Brislington and Millbrook make the trip to Wellington.