Wimborne Town 2, Tavistock AFC 0 – report by Eric Pinch
Despite both Josh Robins and Callum Watson departing the club during the week there was still a familiar look to the starting line-up for this journey into Dorset. The home side were on a 12 match unbeaten run and a crowd of 585 had gathered at the very impressive New Cuthbury Stadium with the Lambs Army greatly outnumbered, but nevertheless vociferous throughout.
The Lambs were under the cosh from the first whistle as Josh Oak saved in the second minute from a Louis Kellaway effort. Four corners followed in quick succession, Bakers shot was saved and Rose hit a post in the fourth minute. In between, Josh Parry would see his effort gathered by home keeper Murphy.
The early pressure from the Magpies worked, as they took the lead on 12 minutes, when Roberts’s trickery caused Taylor Scarff problems on the edge of the area and he was able to lay off the ball for Bedford to pick his spot from 12 yards.
They were unlucky to go further ahead on the half hour as Rose’s header from a Hanger free kick went just wide of the upright and crossbar.
It wasn’t all one way though; a 39th minute free kick for the Lambs would see Parry’s first shot saved, Liam Prynn would follow up from close range and somehow his effort was blocked, with Ed Harrison getting a further effort only to be blocked on the line.
A further chance for the Lambs came right on the stroke of half time when Joe O’Connor’s free kick could only find the hands of Murphy.
A good first half with plenty of action with possibly the Lambs fortunate to go in at half time just one goal down.
Mike Landricombe replaced the injured Dan Evans at half time as the second half started off in spectacular fashion – but unfortunately not in the Lambs favour – from their own kick off deep into the Magpies’ penalty area, Rose was able to control the ball and play it across the back line to Morrison to stride forward,
send the ball over the Lambs central defenders to allow Baker to get a good touch and send the ball past Oak to leave the visitors shell shocked. It would be a mountain to climb.
However Tavi did respond but sadly to no avail. Prynn was put through on 50 minutes for Murphy to block his effort, good work from Parry and Grant set up Prynn, but his shot lacked the power and direction to trouble Murphy. It was a period of sustained pressure from the Lambs with the Wimborne defence in fine form defending their clean sheet.
A glimmer of hope came on 65 minutes as Kellaway received his second yellow for the home side, but the Lambs were unable to take advantage of the extra man.
A well worked freekick allowed Harrison an opportunity late on but his effort flew over the bar.
The home side fashioned another chance in the closing stages but Oak was equal to Beale’s effort.
One of those days where nothing went right, up against a very good side, determined in both defence and attack.
But despite all this, the Lambs still remain in the top half of the table just four points off the play offs with games in hand.
Forthcoming fixtures:
Wednesday 1st February – home to Bristol Manor Farm 7.45pm
Saturday 4th February – home to Lymington 3pm
Tuesday 7th – away to Cinderford 7-45pm
