Pitching In Southern League Div. 1 South. Tavistock AFC  v Westbury United – Report by Eric Pinch

Langsford Park looked in fine fettle for this match despite the recent rain and ice and it was just one of a few games in the area.
New signing Mike Landricombe took his place in the back four with Dan Evans, returning from injury. Dan was initially on the subs bench, but at the last moment, was drafted into the side after Adam McPherson pulled out with a pre-match warm up injury.
The Lambs got off to a great start with their passing game with Josh Grant hitting the upright in the opening minutes before they took the lead on eight minutes.  Good work from Iestyn Harris and Josh Parry set up Grant to slot home from 15 yards.
The home side had the better of the first half creating a number of chances; Liam Prynn and Ben Cross would see glancing headers go just wide, Ed Harrison and Joe O Connor would see shots go over the bar,  and Grant’s looping cross to the far post would see Harris’s header go just over the bar.
Josh Parry was then sent away out wide, but was taken out by keeper Jonathan Hill outside of the area, who was fortunate to get away with just a yellow card. The resultant free kick came to nothing.
The visitors were always a threat at set pieces and this is where their goals have come in recent games. Ashton Shanley’s corner on 35 minutes was cleared out to the edge of the area for Matt Morris to drive it back low through a ruck of players for Harvey Flippance to stab home from close range.
A good start from the Lambs, with a shaky one from the visitors, but still the  teams go in level at half time.

There was a good start to the second half for the Lambs when in the first minute Harris’s cross was met by Parry but he headed just over; Cross and O’Conner would see their efforts go over and at the keeper respectively; Harrison’s effort went over and just after the hour-mark, Grant sent a low cross across the front of
goal with no one able to get on the end of it.
On 70 minutes from a Westbury corner Josh Oak managed to keep the scores level as he palmed the cross onto a post for it to be cleared, Grant then went on a run into the area only to see his effort saved by Hill.
The game was on a knife edge as it drew to a close with both sides capable of securing victory; however it was a moment of controversy that would decide this one. With just five minutes remaining O’Connor looked to have won the ball on the by-line, but Aaron Cockerill went sprawling for the referee to point to the penalty spot. The Lambs were very aggrieved by this decision. After much
deliberation and the ref’s discussion with the linesman, Stevie Hulbert duly slotted home to give the visitors all 3 points.
It was a hard pill to swallow as the Lambs had done more than enough to deserve a share of the spoils and on another day could have run out winners. Football is sometimes a game of fine margins and this was sadly one of them.

Sovereign Wines Man of the Match Joe O Connor. Attendance 160

Forthcoming fixtures:

Tues 24th St Lukes Challenge Cup – Away to Ilfracombe Town – KO 19.45

Sat 28th Pitching In Southern League Div 1 South – Away to Wimborne Town – KO 3pm. A coach will be going for Players and supporters, Roborough
Park and Ride 9-30 am , Langsford Park 9-45. Names to Eric 07970052668