There was a pre match scare for the Lambs as the team coach suffered a malfunction at Exeter Services, but despite a 50 minute delay, the Lambs arrived at the Glen Mex Stadium just under an hour before kick off. 

It was a crucial game in the play off positions, as both teams started on 47 points with 30 games played, however Bashley was occupying the final play off spot due to goal difference.

Tavi had just one change to the starting line up, with Iestyn Harris coming in for the unavailable Joe O’Connor. 

There was a great start for the Lambs with Liam Prynn going close in the opening minute and then Tavi forced three corners all in the first five minutes, but they were all dealt with by the home defence.

Harry McGrath for the Stags, saw his shot saved by Josh Oak on 18 minutes and then seven minutes later, Josh Grant and then Alex Battle, would see their efforts saved by Ross Casey. Grant then went into the referees book for a challenge on both keeper and a defender.  McGrath shot over and Ed Harrison’s shot got deflected for a corner, followed by Antonio Diaz’s overhead kick which sailed over the crossbar. So, a goalless first half with all to play for.

It looked like a one goal game and so it proved to be.  Bashley had managed to keep leading scorer Prynn quiet for two hours over the away and home games, but cometh the hour cometh the ‘other’ man in the shape of Grant. On the hour the home side lost their shape to allow Tallan Burns to cross in from the left to connect with Grant, unmarked,  who headed home from close range. 

It then became a bit of a ‘backs to the wall’ for the Lambs, but the nearest the home side came to equalising was when on 67 minutes McGrath’s effort came back off an upright into the arms of Oak. The Lambs managed to defend their lead for the remainder of the game which saw them leap frog over the Stags to occupy the final play off position. It is all heating up with at least five teams vying for the final two positions. 

Man of the match: Ed Harrison

Attendance 371

Next fixtures:

Tuesday 21st – The Lambs are away to Tiverton Town in the semi-final of the St Lukes Challenge Cup – KO 19.45

Saturday 25th – Tavi take on basement side Slimbridge at Langsford Park – KO 3pm