This F A Cup replay saw the return of Josh Robins to the starting line up having served his three match suspension. Lewis Daw was only fit enough to take a place on the bench, whilst Ryan Swain had still not recovered from his injury sufficently to be included in the squad.
The Lambs got off to a magnificent start in the opening minute when great move saw them break into the Taunton penalty area which resulted in the referee awarding a penalty kick for a deliberate hand ball. Josh Grant stepped and thumbed the ball low into the corner of the net to give the Lambs the lead.
The hosts first attempt on the Lambs goal came in the fifth minute when a well worked move resulted in Mitchell shooting over the bar from twenty yards. Two minutes later Josh Oak was called upon to make a fine save from Brett pushing the ball out for a corner kick, which was cleared.
The Lambs playing their fine passing game nearly increased their lead in the 20th minute when Jake Miller’s Cross found Jack Crago but his effort was well saved by Irish in the home goal. Three minutes later a great defence splitting pass found Dan Sullivan, but he was adjudged to have committed a foul before his was saved by the keeper.
The Lambs were not to be denied and deservedly increased their lead in the 25th minute when another fine passing move opened up the home defence the ball found Luke Brown who calmly fired the ball home pass the advancing Keeper from eighteen yards.
Ten minutes later a slight skirmish between three players, after a fierce challenge on Jack Crago, resulted in Taunton’s Brett and Trowbridge, and Crago receiving yellow cards. The game was now becoming very feisty, as two minutes later Wright the home teams centre forward was booked for a really bad challenge on Dan Evans.
Just before the interval Josh Oak made a good save to insure the Lambs maintained their two goal advantage at half time.
The home team made an early substitution in the second half when Owen Irish replaced Villas. The home team now started to ask questions of the Lambs defence and almost scored in the 55th minute when Wright found himself in on goal, but Josh Oak did enough to force him to put his lob shot wide of the target. A minute later Taunton opened their account when following a good build up a good cross into the penalty area saw Stanley head home. The home team now had the bit between their teeth and were pressing for an equaliser as Wright headed over the bar from a corner kick. Owen Irish Shot well wide of the target for the hosts.
The Lambs were now restricted to counter attacks, which they did very effectively in the 65th minute a terrific move saw a great ball from Josh Grant find Ben Cross his shot cannoned back off the post and rolled safely away.
Another counter attack saw Dan Sullivan drag his shot wide but Jack Crago was only inches away from sliding the ball home.
The home team forced several corner kicks but the Lambs defence were superb as was keeper Josh Oak. In the 78th minute Stanley’s fierce shot was well wide of the visitors goal. The Lambs then made a substitution with Tyler Elliot replacing Jake Miller who had word his socks off in the middle of the park.
Four minutes later another brilliant counter attack by the Lambs saw Josh Grant drag his powerful shot just wide of the target. Jack Trible then replaced Luke Brown in the 85th minute. The final whistle came to the delight of everyone involved at Tavistock Football Club, to record one of the best wins in the clubs history.
Once again the crowd were provided great entertainment, by two very good undefeated teams in true tradition of F A Cup football.
This was a magnificent team performance every single player can be proud of what they have achieved. The defence were terrific and dealt with everything Taunton could throw at them. The midfield player were brilliant with the way they created openings as well as helping out the defence when under pressure. The forwards were very good as their pace and movement caused the home defence problems throughout the game.
When everyone put in a shift like they did it is extremely difficult to pick a man of the match, but after much debate is was agreed that Dan Evans superb performance just edged it.
The next challenge now lies ahead when we entertain Frome Town at Langsford Park on Saturday 16th September. Kick Off. 3 pm.