Tavistock AFC 2 – 1 Launceston
Tavistock continued their good run of form, when they defeated local rivals Launceston in an even contest. The visitors, currently lying third in the league table, were always going to be a stern test for the Lambs, who have only lost once in their last seven games.
It was the home team who got off to the best start and took the game to Launceston and, as early as the third minute, almost opened their account when Ben Davies made a fine run down the right and his cross was met by Jarryd Kelly whose shot from 14 yards was deflected away for a corner kick.
Hobbs then caused the visitors a scare when he beat two defenders and cut into the penalty area, but he pulled his shot just wide of the target.
After the opening fifteen minutes Launceston came back into the game and the home team had their first scare of the afternoon when Sam Davey blasted over the bar from 14 yards.
In the 23rd minute a Jimmy Kiely free kick found Kelly, and his fine pass set up Glynn Hobbs, but his shot from 18 yards just cleared the bar.
The Lambs took the lead in the 33rd minute when the ever-alert Hobbs took a quick free kick and found Jarryd Kelly, who curled his inch perfect angled shot from 18 yards into the far top corner of the net.
The home team continued to press forward and young Josh Robbins, making his home debut, produced some fine runs down the left, and it was he who combined with Hobbs to almost produce a second goal for the Lambs. Hobbs’ cross was met by Kelly but his header was well saved by the ‘keeper.
Shortly before the interval the visitors missed a great chance to draw level when Chris Head failed to convert a fine cross from Sam Davey.
The Lambs doubled their lead in the second minute after the interval when Mark Reckless lived up to his name with a clumsy challenge on Glynn Hobbs resulting in a penalty, which Hobbs took and smashed into the roof of the net.
It was the visitors who finished the stronger of the two teams as the home defence came under considerable pressure with wave after wave of attack and Launceston finally opened their account in the 83rd minute when a strong run down the right by Sam Davey resulted in a cross which found Chris Head who calmly tapped the ball past Meeds at the far post.
Two minutes later Head missed a similar chance when he put his shot wide of the target.
It was now all Launceston, as they laid siege on the home goal, but the home defence held firm to record a win over a very good team.
The game proved to be a great advert for local football and was witnessed by a good-sized crowd.
This was another good team performance, from which many positives can be taken.
There were fine performances by Hobbs, with local lad Josh Robbins showing his ability in attack. The whole defence played well as a unit and Dave Hallett was back on song in the midfield. However, the outstanding performance of the day was Jarryd Kelly, who was back to his very best after a long term injury. His pace and movement caused problems to the visitors throughout the ninety minutes.
Match Report: Derek Pethick
