Launceston 1 – 0 Tavistock AFC
Before the kick off both teams applauded Andy Meeds onto the pitch, as he was making his 750th appearance for Tavistock Football Club. A magnificent achievement and something you do not find a lot of nowadays – real loyalty to one club.
The Lambs were unlucky not to share the points from this keenly contested local derby and Launceston, the current league leaders, were made to fight all the way and only looked the part after opening the scoring midway through the second half.
It was the visitors who showed their intent from the off, as they took the game to their hosts and created a few half chances, when they should have tested the ‘keeper, but shots slipped just wide of the target.
In the 15th minute Dan Nicholson, in the Launceston goal, pulled off a magnificent double save to deny Johnny Wyatt after a fine pass from James sent him clear on goal.
The Lambs continued to have the lion’s share of possession, but a resolute Launceston defence and some good goalkeeping kept the scores level at the interval.
The second half saw both teams trying to get the upper hand, but it was clear to see that the two teams were evenly matched and it looked like a draw was on the cards.
On a very heavy pitch that cut up badly the teams produced some really good football and are to be congratulated on producing a fine afternoon’s entertainment for the large crowd.
The only goal of the game came in the 67th minute, when a poor clearance by Matt David fell to Sam Davey who raced clear and coolly chipped the ball over the advancing Meeds to give the hosts the lead.
From the restart Johnny Wyatt beat two defenders and hit a terrific low shot that Nicholson could not reach, but unfortunately his shot went inches wide of the far post.
With the Lambs now pushing for an equaliser, the game became much more open, and the home team took advantage and were really dangerous on the counter attack, but the Lambs’ defence held firm.
The Launceston goal came under considerable pressure also, but their defence showed why they have only conceded 23 goals in 22 matches and they kept the Lambs at bay to take all three points.
A very good local derby in which the Lambs can feel very unlucky not to taken a share of the spoils.
