Tavistock seal huge derby win to close in on the league title
TAVISTOCK’S hopes of landing the Toolstation Western League Premier Division title were given a huge boost when they thrashed Saltash United 4-1 in the cross-Tamar derby at Langsford Park on Friday night, writes Stuart James.
Just under 400 spectators were in attendance to see Stuart Henderson’s side run out comfortable winners thanks in large to another devastating first half performance which all but won them the game.
Dan Evans scored his first goal since returning from two years out injured to open the scoring with a brilliant thumping header from a Josh Robins corner before Liam Prynn scored from the penalty sport after he had been fouled by Danny Lewis.
Unfortunately, the incident led to Lewis being stretchered off with a
broken ankle, but Prynn made no mistake in scoring his 39th goal of an incredible season after a lengthy delay.
Arguably the goal of the game came moments later when Josh Parry, with his back to goal, produced an audacious back heel that caught everyone by surprise – least of all the Saltash goalkeeper – who could do nothing as the ball found the net.
The outstanding Warren Daw made it 4-0 shortly after half-time with another thumping header from a Robins corner and when Neil Slateford pulled a goal back for the Ashes on 50 minutes, it proved to be no more than a consolation.
“Obviously it was all about the three points, but the boys executed the game plan really well,” delighted boss Stuart Henderson said. “It was similar to Tuesday (a 4-1 win against Clevedon Town) in a lot of ways, we started really, really well and goals change games.
“We got our noses in front and soon got a second one as well with the penalty. Fair play to Prynny because he had to wait for five or six minutes but, obviously, everyone at the club wishes Danny all the best.”
Saltash manager Dane Bunney admitted his side had been outclassed. “It was a brilliant performance from Tavistockm” he said. “We couldn’t really lay a glove on them. I have no doubt they will go on to deservedly win the league now, but I am proud of the run my team have been on. We will re-group I’m sure and look to finish the season strong.”
Tavistock are four points clear at the top after closest challengers Mousehole and Exmouth Town both won on Saturday.
Mousehole overcame stubborn Bitton 2-1 at Trungle Parc with goals from Steven Burt and Louis Price, while Exmouth recorded a 2-1 win at Helston Athletic.
Aaron Denny assisted in both Exmouth goals for Levi Landricombe and Ben Steer, before Stuart Bowker pulled a goal back for Helston.
Goals from Ryan Bush and a strike deep into stoppage time from Cieran Bridger earned Buckland Athletic a 2-2 draw at Ashton & Backwell, while Millbrook went down to a 2-0 defeat at Wellington.
Ilfracombe were held to a 1-1 draw at Brislington with Harry Stevens scoring their goal.