Tavistock AFC 1-2 Willand Rovers: Late Bowker strike not enough as Lambs slip to 21st

The Lambs dropped to second bottom in the table after two early second-half goals from Devon rivals Willand Rovers sealed the clash, despite a late fightback through a Jacob Bowker strike for Tavi.

Stuart Henderson's side came into the encounter making two changes from the midweek victory over Peninsula League outfit Ilfracombe 3-0 in the Devon Bowl on Wednesday. Ryan White and Charlie Madden both returned after sitting out Wednesday’s clash, with the 25/26 arrivals coming in for Ethan Wright and Rhys Lindsell, who both dropped to the bench.

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The changes meant Josh Baxter retained his place after Wednesday’s win, starting at the back for his Southern League debut for the Lambs. Forward Jack Crago was also making his 500th appearance for Tavi after more than 10 years of service for the club.

The first moment of action saw Lambs centre-back Joel Jackson pick up a yellow card after bringing down Rikki Shepherd to prevent a counter. The resulting free-kick was swung in by Douglas Camilo, whose cross found Shepherd.

The forward stabbed an effort at goal, but his slight touch rolled just past the post, with Dan Holman in the Tavi goal looking relieved. Minutes later, impressive play by Willand eventually found Camilo, who smashed a powerful effort high and wide over Holman’s bar.

In the 18th minute, another chance for the away side saw the dangerous Camilo float in a ball from the left-hand side. The ball met the head of Willand captain Jamie Richards, whose effort required a strong save from Holman before Baxter eventually cleared. Baxter was back in action moments later, this time going into the book for a challenge in midfield. In the 22nd minute, neat play by Ben Fowles and Bowker saw the latter find Iestyn Harris, who smashed an effort that was well blocked by Tiago Sá.

In the 30th minute, a cross from Fowles caused problems for Willand goalkeeper Andrew Sowden-Bird, who could only punch the ball out for a corner. However, the second delivery was wasted, with Fowles smashing it straight out. A minute later, the Lambs looked dangerous again, with Crago racing down the wing after a through ball from Jackson. But Sowden-Bird came off his line well to clear the danger.

A rare Willand chance in the 37th minute saw Ryan Keates cut inside from the left and smash an effort narrowly over Holman’s bar. In added time, former Willand man Tom Chastey picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on the flank. Not long later, the referee blew for half-time in what had been a tight contest between two sides short on confidence. It was still all to play for, with the start of the second half looking crucial.

The Lambs made a switch at the break, with White replaced by Wright, who slotted in at left-back. Two minutes later, the visitors struck first, with the appropriately named Shepherd scoring against the Lambs. A through ball from Camilo and neat play in midfield found the in-form striker, who poked home his third goal of the week and second of the league season. In the 50th minute, Henderson made another change, with Madden replaced by Cole Fisher.

Just three minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors, as youngster Finn Herbert finished off an excellent counter with a smart strike into the corner. The Lambs were now left with a mountain to climb with just over half an hour remaining.

On the hour mark, a Camilo cross was met by a thunderous clearance from Jackson, who smashed the ball out of the ground for a corner. Luckily for the Lambs, the resulting delivery was safely gathered by Holman.

A minute later, Tavi had a lifeline. A cross from the right - believed to be from Harris - found former Falmouth man Bowker, who smashed home a powerful strike past Sowden-Bird for his first league goal of the season. Three minutes later, Harris had a golden chance to equalise after latching onto a loose ball in the box, but his fierce effort flew just over the bar with Sowden-Bird relieved.

The Lambs made their third change in the 65th minute, with Baxter replaced by Lindsell. Willand then made their first switch in the 71st minute, as former Lamb Alfie Cunningham came on for the impressive Camilo. In the 77th minute, Willand had the chance to kill the game when Bailey Kempster smashed an effort just wide of the near post with the top corner gaping.

In the 80th minute, Herbert was replaced by Harvey Dorothy, followed two minutes later by Josh Searle coming on for Keates.

In the second of five added minutes, the Lambs almost equalised after a late Bowker corner was returned into the box by Lindsell and flicked just wide of the post by Harris. The Lambs surrounded the referee appealing for a penalty, but instead were shown a red card, as Jackson picked up his second yellow - apparently for dissent.

Moments later, the referee blew for full-time. Willand picked up their first win of the season, leapfrogging Tavi into 20th place. Rovers are next in action on Tuesday with a trip to Shaftesbury, while the Lambs also travel on Tuesday - heading down to Mousehole.