Tavistock go down to narrow 1-0 loss at Exmouth Town Lambs struggle as title race goes to the wire

TAVISTOCK manager Stuart Henderson was pleased with the effort and commitment of his Lambs despite a 1-0 defeat at title rivals Exmouth Town.

The Lambs gave as good as they got against Kevin Hill’s side, but a Levi Landricombe free kick shortly after half-time was all that separated the two teams.

Tavi came close to an equaliser when Jordan Annear headed a Iestyn Harris cross against the outside of the post but that was one of few chances the Lambs created on one of – if not the – worst pitch in the Western League.

The long grass and seriously rutted surface was far from conducive for the kind of football the lads like to play, but credit to Exmouth who did what was needed to do and are mow level on points with the Lambs at the top of the table.

With one match remaining, Tavi hold the slenderest of advantages – they are one goal better off in terms of goal difference – meaning it is all to play for in the final day of the season when Exmouth head to Shepton Mallet and the Lambs play host to Ashton & Backwell.

“Obviously I am disappointed, we could have won the league tonight,” he said. “It’s the two top teams and we came with a game plan, you only have to walk across the pitch to see it’s disgusting in terms of a surface – you can’t play on it.

“They play a difficult pitch really well, we limited them to one chance in each half, so I think the game plan worked well, but I am disappointed with the goal.

“I didn’t think it was a free kick in the first place, I though Josh (Robins) got fouled, yet the ref gave them a free kick and that gave Exmouth an opportunity to get the big guys in there.

“Take nothing away from Exmouth, I am good friends with Kev and Rolo. I just thought both teams cancelled each other out.”

A tremendous crowd of 728 were in attendance to see the division’s top two sides lock horns and the paying public will have been disappointed that there was not more football on show.

However, the Lambs have no time to dwell on Wednesday’s disappointment and they now host Ashton & Backwell knowing they must better whatever Exmouth do to land the Western League Premier Division title.

“It’s still in our hands, we could have had easier games than we have on Saturday, I remember in my interview at Ashton I said then they were too good for the position they are in at the bottom of the league and since then, they have beaten Mousehole and been down there and got a good point.

“They are fighting for their lives and it will be difficult game, but it is in our hands and it will be nice to get back to Langsford Park and play on a better surface again.”