Manager thinks we still have much to learn in this league As Tavi look to do the double on Cinderford

TAVISTOCK manager Stuart Henderson is calling on his side to bounce back from back-to-back defeats when they welcome Cinderford Town to Langsford Park later today.
Tavi’s inconsistent season continued with a 2-0 defeat at home to Bashley in midweek, which followed last weekend’s 4-2 loss at Bishops Cleeve. That in turned followed back-to-back wins against Lymington and Cinderford. Henderson feels Tavi deserved far more than what they got in both of those lost games, but he believes a similar type of performance will yield a better result at Langsford Park this afternoon.
“I don’t think we played badly in either game,” Henderson said. “It’s frustrating because we were looking good at Bishops Cleeve and were 1-0 and 2-1 up, but perhaps we showed a little naivety as they scored twice from corners.
“On Wednesday, we conceded a poor goal right on the stroke of half-time and were then camped in their half for the whole of the second half, although we didn’t really create too many chances. We hit the crossbar and huffed and puffed, but then got done on the counter and it was game over really.
“Were we better than them? No. Were they better than us? No. I think a draw would have been a fair result, but we have to remember that we are new to this league and learning all the time.
“I think, because we are so used to winning, people see things as us being in poor form, but we are at a different level now and teams are more clinical and punish you for any mistake you make, or naivety you show.”
Wednesday’s defeat allowed Bashley to overtake the Lambs in an ever-changing league table with the Lambs now down to sixth place, one outside of the all-important top five, albeit on goal difference only.
This afternoon, Tavi welcome Cinderford to Langsford Park knowing they have already thumped them 4-0 just 11 days ago.
“Obviously it wasn’t that long ago that we played them, so I don’t think too much will have changed, but we know only too well – and I know I keep saying it – but anyone can beat anyone in this league,” Henderson said.
“We have to be at it and on our game if we want to get anything from it and if we play anything like we did up at their place, then I am sure we will be OK.
“We were excellent away to Cinderford and for 65 minutes against Bishops Cleeve we were as well, and then conceded two goals from corners, which is just naivety. From open play they only had two shots on target in 90 minutes.
“It is fine lines and we are learning on the job. We are finding with some of these teams they have that X-factor in certain parts of the field, I thought the (Bashley) number five was outstanding and you have to give credit where credit is due. They are a good side, there was not a lot between us and they came out on top.”
Tavi have no fresh injury worries, which means Henderson will have the same pool of players to pick from as he did in midweek.