Opening day defeat for Tavistock AFC

Tavistock endured a frustrating defeat at home to Bemerton Heath on the opening weekend of the Southern League season.

After a promising pre-season campaign for the Lambs, including an impressive draw with Huddersfield Town, expectations were high at Langsford Park, and those hopes were met by a bright start by the home side.

Tavvy piled on the early pressure and Ben Fowles very nearly curled in a delightful opener. The visitors then struck with a suckerpunch and a terrific strike from Brendan Holmes, rifling into the net from 25 yards.

The Lambs were back on top again early in the second period, Ed Harrison barging his way through the Bemerton defence before a fizzing drive that flew inches wide of the post. Alex Battle then clipped a lovely effort narrowly off target.

Once again, however, Tavvy were floored by a goal against the run of play, as substitute Lamin Jotta pounced on some hesitant defending to steer a shot beyond the outstretched dive of Aaron Dearing.

The Lambs kept plugging away and finally got some reward when Owen Pritchard spotted the visiting ‘keeper off his line and executed a fabulous 40-yard lob. Sadly, it was too late to rescue the point but Tavvy will still be very competitive in this league.