Tavistock AFC 0 AFC Totton 0
The Lambs took a good deal of satisfaction from this hard earned point against the free scoring league leaders who had struck 22 times in the last six matches. The corresponding fixture back in November saw the Lambs concede half a dozen and replying just once.
This time they would not be denied a share of the spoils with a combination of resolute defending, some great work from keeper Josh Oak, and the woodwork also coming to their aid on a couple of occasions.
Adam McPherson and Iestyn Harris were both absent through injury, with strikers Josh Grant and Liam Prynn also unavailable, which meant a recall for Josh Parry, on loan to Saltash, to return to go straight into the starting line-up. Sam Rutter and Noah Maund from the Development squad were also added to the subs bench.
Langsford Park was in good condition despite a steady downfall of rain throughout the afternoon.
The first attempt on goal came from the Lambs as Parry’s shot went over the bar; Thomas Wright saw his fierce shot parried away by Oak; and then Oscar Massey, for the Lambs, turned his marker to shoot into the side netting – all within the first quarter of an hour.
There was not a lot of goalmouth action after that with both defences dominating and no surprise that it was goalless at half time.
The second half was a livelier affair as the Stags looked for the opener in a series of attacks with the Lambs defending and looking to catch them on the break.
Ethan Taylor had the ball in the back of the net for the visitors on 49 minutes, but was flagged for offside and then saw his effort come back off a post to be cleared.
Oak, on 55 minutes, made a great save from a Ben Read effort and the woodwork came to the Lambs rescue again on 65 minutes as Charlie Davis’ shot hit the angle of upright and crossbar.
But it was not all one-way traffic as the Lambs had their moments. Tallan Burns’ free-kick flew across the area to go just wide and the best chance fell for Massey on 70 minutes as the ball broke loose in the area to see his shot blocked by the onrushing keeper Lewis Noice.
The visitors would have the final chance deep into added time as a cross into the area was headed back across by Scott Rendell, only for Taylor to somehow miss the target from close range sending the ball over the bar.
But it would have been cruel for the Lambs to come away empty-handed from this encounter as their efforts gained the point they thoroughly deserved.
Sovereign Wines Man of the Match Taylor Scarff
Forthcoming Fixtures:
Tomorrow (8th) – Evesham away, (due to Easter and holiday traffic) the coach leaves Roborough Park & Ride at 8.15 am and Langsford Park 8.45. Names to Eric please 07970052668 – KO 3pm
Monday 10th – Home to Willand Rovers – KO 3pm
Sat 15th – Last away game of the season at Sholing, with the coach leaving Roborough Park and Ride 8.15am and Langsford Park 8.45. Names to Eric – KO 3pm
