St Luke’s Devon Bowl: Tavistock 3-0 Ilfracombe - Lambs march into the next round

Tavistock AFC produced a commanding display at Langsford Park to see off Ilfracombe 3-0 and secure their spot in the next round of the St Luke’s Devon Bowl. 

The match began at a frantic pace. Within the opening minutes, Iestyn Harris broke down the right and set up Ethan Wright for an early shot. 

Before Ilfracombe almost snatched the lead themselves when Josh Baxter was forced to clear off the line with goalkeeper Holman down receiving treatment.

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Tavistock soon settled, creating chances from free kicks and long-range efforts, and their pressure paid off in the 17th minute. 

Tom Chastey surged down the left and squared for Ben Fowles, who calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.

Shortly after, Ilfracombe threatened from distance, forcing substitute keeper Will Howard, who replaced the injured Holman, into action. 

But the Lambs continued to push, and in the 23rd minute, Jacob Bowker delivered a pinpoint free kick which Jack Crago nodded in for 2-0.

Fowles saw a fine run ruled offside before Bowker missed a big chance to add a third, rounding the keeper but firing wide of an empty net. At the break, Tavistock led 2-0.

Tavi resumed the second half brightly, with Bowker racing clear and squaring across goal before a flurry of set pieces saw Iestyn and Crago go close. 

Fowles and Wright both continued to threaten with crosses, though Ilfracombe also enjoyed moments of pressure, their own deliveries dealt with confidently by Howard.

The Lambs’ persistence was rewarded in the 76th minute when Nick Salop rose highest from a free kick to head home their third of the night, putting the tie beyond doubt.

Ilfracombe refused to roll over, breaking dangerously down the left and winning a free kick, but their best chance, a firm header, was held well by Howard. 

At the other end, Fowles tested the keeper with a powerful drive and later teed up Bowker, whose effort was safely caught.

Tavistock managed the final minutes professionally to see out a 3-0 win and progress to the next round.

Next up, The Lambs return to Langsford Park on Saturday (27 September), when they take on Willand Rovers in a return to Southern League action.