| Match Report |
Tavistock Mens 1st X1 moved one step closer to promotion with a convincing 5-nil victory over fourth-placed Devonport Services albeit with an injury-ravaged team. Tavy were one goal up inside the first five minutes when Mark Forshaw's trademark drag flick of a short corner found the top left corner. Such was the dominance of the home team that the opposition's centre forward didn't touch the ball until 20 minutes had passed. Whilst it was great game management moving the ball side to side it was more goals that the home side were after. The second goal of the game was scored by Josh Walker when good play by Jimmy Berry allowed Walker to turn his defender inside before cooly dispatching the ball into the far corner. Whilst the home team had 80% of possession and whilst the visiting team lacked any serious penetration up top it was only two nil to Tavy going into the halftime break. The home team came fast out of the blocks at the start of the second half when a brilliant move involving three passes from one 22 to the other 22 was expertly finished by Nick Andrews. Wave after wave of attacks came from the home side with both Forshaw and Berry going agonisingly close on several occasions. Walker scored his second and Tavy's fourth when he slotted home from close range after good play from Jonny Elliot. The fifth and final goal came when a turnover ball released Walker who finished in style to earn a well-deserved hat-trick. A very good game of hockey from Tavy and at times was some of the best all season. On reflection, the team could have been clinical at times. Their goal-difference advantage over Falmouth has now been cut to twelve with three league games left. Donkey of the day went to Andy Berry and Man of the Match went to Mark Forshaw. Next week the team travel to Liskeard to play Caradon, knowing a point over them will secure promotion into Piran 1. Still, they will be looking for a repeat of their big home win over them and another 3 points in the race to become league champions. Many thanks to Jo Gaspar and Sarah Harris for umpiring and match tea sponsors, TJ's and LJ's of Tavistock
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