Crucial last-gasp win for Tavistock

It has been far from plain sailing for Tavistock in the early weeks of the Southern League Division One South campaign but a late win at Devon rivals Exmouth Town could be the catalyst for the Lambs.

After recruiting Plymouth Argyle prospect Jack Endacott on loan, Tavi travelled east to Exmouth, and three points for either side would give them some breathing space above the bottom places.

Exmouth started bright and had a goal ruled out for a foul inside the first minute before Tavi goalkeeper Aaron Dearing tipped over a vicious free-kick. A trip in the area handed the hosts a penalty on 11 minutes but Ben Steer’s spot-kick was brilliantly stopped by Dearing.

Despite that setback, Exmouth continued to create the better chances, Steer denied again by Dearing before former Lamb Mike Landricombe headed over from a good position.

Tavi found some impetus in the dying seconds of the first half, Alex Battle’s free-kick flashing across the face of goal before Town renewed their barrage after the break, Ace High living up to his surname with a header steered over the bar.

The Lambs made some changes for the final 20 minutes, Dan Koita replacing Jacob Bowker in the decisive switch, as he was the man to turn a battling draw into a fabulous victory.

Just three minutes remained on the clock when a low cross fired in by Battle was fumbled by the ‘keeper and Koita gobbled up the rebound to secure a massive victory for Tavistock.

In the same division, the early-season major success story in Devon football has to be Willand Rovers, who are two points clear at the top.

Travelling to Westbury United on the weekend, Willand recovered from going behind on 21 minutes to level through Alfie Moulden. Westbury regained the lead but Ryan Guppy found a second equaliser nine minutes from time and Nathan Byrne won it for Willand deep into stoppage time. 

Bideford remain just outside the play-off positions after a 3-1 defeat at Wimborne Town, Finn Roberts scoring the consolation for the Robins.

East Devon football was treated to one of the great El Jurassico derbies in recent memory, as Axminster Town edged past Sidmouth Town in a rollercoaster nine-goal thriller.  

Ivybridge Town continued their dominance at the top of the South-West Peninsula League with a 7-0 hammering of Torrington but Bridport are still in the race, as they pinched a last-gasp victory at Okehampton Argyle. Crediton are in third, thanks to a 4-0 defeat of bottom club Dartmouth.  

Barnstaple Town extended their unbeaten start in the Toolstation Western League to nine matches, as they romped to a 6-0 win at home to Wellington. Oscar Massey was lethal for Barum, bagging four goals on the day, with Stuart Bowker and Blake Shapland also on target.  

Falmouth remain top after a 6-1 demolition of Street and high-scoring victories were the theme in the division, as Bridgwater thumped Torpoint 5-0 and Brixham trounced Millbrook 7-0. Ilfracombe Town produced one of their best displays of the season to beat Welton Rovers 3-0.  

It was a rough weekend for the professional clubs in Devon, as Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United all slumped to defeat.  

The Pilgrims led Swansea 1-0 at half-time in the Championship but were over-run after the break, losing 3-1. A goal one minute from time condemned Exeter to a 1-0 home defeat against Barnsley and ten-man Torquay lost by the same score against Maidstone in the National League South.