Crago strike in vain as Exmouth Town continue winning run over Tavistock AFC

A positive performance ended in defeat for the Lambs at Langsford Park as goals from two Bens, Griffith and Steer, secured the away side’s fifth win in a row despite Crago’s strike for Tavi.

Stuart Henderson’s side made one enforced change from the team that won at Mousehole, with Olly Northam coming in for the suspended Joel Jackson. There was also one change on the bench, as Lee Radford joined the squad for the first time, replacing the unavailable Cole Fisher and hoping to make his debut.

Exmouth, who have a strong recent record against Tavistock, named four former Lambs in their squad: Ben and Luke Steer, and captain Mike Landricombe, who all started, while ex-Tavi loanee Jacob Shore was among the substitutes for Kevin Hill’s side.

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The visitors, in blue, started brightly and came close inside two minutes. A wicked cross from Sam Morcom found Landricombe, whose flicked header struck the crossbar before rolling out for a goal kick. Landricombe threatened again moments later, but his shot was well blocked by Ethan Wright.

Tavistock then began to grow into the game, creating a few half-chances through neat play from Brad Williams and Ben Fowles, though nothing to trouble Chris Wright in the Exmouth goal.

In the 12th minute, Griffith received the game’s first yellow card for tripping Ryan White, forcing a short stoppage for treatment to the Lambs’ midfielder. Four minutes later, Crago drove forward impressively, beating several Exmouth defenders before being halted by a strong Landricombe challenge.

Exmouth took the lead in the 18th minute after Ben Steer embarked on one of his trademark runs and went down under slight contact from a Tavistock defender. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With regular penalty taker Matt Wright absent, Griffith stepped up and smashed a superb effort into the top-left corner, leaving Dan Holman with no chance.

The goal gave Exmouth confidence, and they continued to threaten. Callum Shipton cut inside from the left and curled an effort just over Holman’s bar after linking up well with Luke Steer. Shortly after, Ben Steer pounced on a poor touch from Northam and unleashed a powerful shot, but Holman stood firm to make an important save.

Despite this, Tavistock finished the half the stronger side. In the 40th minute, a quick counter saw Fowles release Williams, but before the forward could finish, Chris Wright reacted sharply to clear the danger. Crago also caused problems with a driving run and shot that was well blocked by the Exmouth defence.

In the 44th minute, Fowles delivered another excellent cross that looked destined for Josh Baxter’s head, but Wright again came off his line well to gather. The halftime whistle came soon after - a welcome relief for Exmouth, who had been under heavy pressure. It was still all to play for heading into the second half.

Tavistock made a change at the break, with Bowker replacing White. The Lambs came out firing, and in the 49th minute Williams and Crago combined to beat the offside trap, only for Crago’s shot to be well saved by Wright.

Two minutes later came a golden chance for the equaliser. Fowles, excellent throughout, intercepted a loose ball and poked a clever effort through Wright’s legs. On the slick surface, the ball slowed agonisingly before striking the post and staying out, before Morcom cleared. It was a huge let-off for Exmouth - and a moment that could have changed Tavistock’s fortunes.

Almost immediately after, the Lambs were punished for their missed chance. Former Tavistock man Ben Steer collected the ball from seemingly nothing and rifled a stunning shot past Holman to double the visitors’ lead - his second league goal of the season.

On the hour mark, Exmouth made their first change, with the booked Griffith replaced by Isaac McCue.

Ten minutes later, the Lambs pulled one back from a set piece. Bowker’s pinpoint delivery was met by Crago, who rose above Wright to flick home a trademark header - his third goal in an impressive week. The goal inspired Tavistock, and three minutes later another Bowker cross caused chaos in the Exmouth box before Ollie Knowles cleared.

The Lambs then introduced debutant Lee Radford, replacing Northam.

In the 76th minute, Knowles produced a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Williams a certain goal. Another dangerous cross from Fowles soon followed, but Williams’ shot was blocked again by the tireless Knowles.

Exmouth made their second substitution in the 78th minute, with Luke Steer replaced by young forward Ryan Crawford.

In the 87th minute, Tavistock fans appealed for a penalty after Bowker went down under a challenge from Wright as the keeper tried to recover a dropped ball, but the referee waved play on. Two minutes later, Joe Belsten was booked for pulling back Wright, giving the Lambs a free kick. Bowker’s delivery caused a scramble in the box, but after several headers, the ball was eventually cleared.

In stoppage time, Holman went forward for one final free kick, but Bowker’s cross was overhit and drifted out for a goal kick. Moments later, the referee blew the full-time whistle.

A strong performance from Tavistock went unrewarded, while Exmouth celebrated a fifth consecutive victory - thanks to goals from their two Bens, Griffith and Steer.