Summer Lambs flocking for a new Tavistock AFC season

The building blocks are beginning to assemble for Tavistock AFC as they look forward to a new season in the Southern League Division One South.

After finishing a comfortable mid-table in 2023/24 campaign, the Lambs will be aiming for the next step forward and a push on the play-off spots for a place in the Southern Premier.

As part of that ambition, manager Stuart Henderson has confirmed the retention of seven key figures from last season: Charlie Elkington, Liam Prynn, Ben Fowles, Jacob Bowker, Ed Harrison, Aaron Dearing and Alex Battle.

Elkington is a Tavistock-born centre-back, who made an impressive 36 appearances in his first season as a Step 4 footballer, earning rave reviews for the versatility and maturity demonstrated by a 20 year-old.

Winger Jacob Bowker made 31 appearances for the Lambs last term, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists. Henderson said of Bowker: “Jacob is technically really strong and is very brave in taking players on in difficult situations. Bowks had a really good return last year with goals and assists and there is more to come from him.”

Forward Alex Battle came through the Academy at Plymouth Argyle and also enjoyed a decent spell with Truro City before moving to Langsford Park in 2022. Battle, who captained the team on numerous occasions, scored 16 goals in 33 appearances.

Liam Prynn is another exciting forward in the Tavi pack, scoring 16 goals in 36 games last term and a former Torquay United striker. Prynn is a predatory forward and his presence will again cause major issues for Southern League defences next season.

At the other end of the pitch, Aaron Dearing is without question one of the best goalkeepers in Step 4 football and will be a vital cog in the defensive wheel for Tavi, having made 39 appearances in all competitions last season.

Captain Ed Harrison has already been a superb servant for the Lambs and another campaign in the red and black will guarantee experience and quality in the Tavistock engine room. Harrison scored six goals in 35 appearances last season.

Midfielder Ben Fowles has the vital component of versatility and the re-signing of this talented youngsters brings flexibility to Henderson’s squad. Fowles made 23 appearances for the Lambs and also excelled in a loan spell with Saltash United.

The Tavistock squad is taking shape, with more announcements promised in the near future.

Images from Tavistock AFC