“It was the best strike I’ve ever hit”: Bowker’s long-range effort helps Tavistock AFC earn a point away at 10-man Melksham

The Lambs came into the clash at the Oakfield Stadium, a ground where the Devonshire outfit were yet to lose, making two changes from the side that were defeated 2-1 at home to Devon rivals Exmouth Town.

Talisman Jack Crago was suspended, with former Falmouth man Bowker returning to the side after regaining full fitness. Another change saw young defender Olly Northam drop to the bench, with experienced defender Josh McCabe coming straight into the side after signing on a dual-registration basis from Liskeard Athletic.

The Lambs were also without defender Joel Jackson, who was serving a suspension following his red card against Willand Rovers at the end of September.

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The Lambs started the encounter well and put managerless Melksham on the back foot from the first whistle. Tavi were delivering plenty of crosses into the box, shown in the 3rd minute when a cross from left-back Ethan Wright found Ben Fowles, who headed the ball but collided with Melksham defender Mark Cooper. Both players received treatment from their respective physios before play resumed.

Two minutes later, former Weymouth man Cooper was straight back into the action, heading away another excellent cross from the lively Wright.

A minute later, a massive chance for the Lambs saw right-back Iestyn Harris play a one-two with Ryan White before making his way into the box. The experienced Lamb took a touch before looking to cross to Fowles. The ball was flicked away by Melksham left-back Ryan King straight into the path of Harris, who took a touch before smashing an effort from the angle towards goal. The full-back’s effort was saved well by Adam Forster in the Melksham net.

In the 8th minute, a chance for the home side saw a Jake Andrews cross eventually find Cooper, who turned and swivelled, but dragged his shot wide of Dan Holman’s goal.

In the 17th minute, a slight scare for the Lambs came when a speculative cross from King spun awkwardly towards Holman. The former Plymouth Argyle man nearly dropped the ball into his own net, but recovered well to prevent an embarrassing own goal.

Three minutes later, good link-up play between White and Fowles saw the latter send in a cross met by the head of Brad Williams, however, the former Barnstaple man’s header was comfortably caught by Forster.

Play was stopped in the 23rd minute when full-back Harris collided heavily with the advertising boards and required treatment, leaving the Lambs temporarily down to ten men.

Three minutes later, Melksham were down to ten permanently. A great ball from Fowles picked out White, who took an excellent touch before being pulled to the ground by King. The referee had no hesitation in showing the young full-back a straight red card. Melksham midfielder Andrews was also booked for dissent.

The resulting free kick, in a dangerous position, was struck by Bowker but blocked well by Andrews in the wall.

In the 29th minute, another Lambs chance came when a cross from Fowles found Bowker, whose flicked header rolled just past the far post. Moments later, another Fowles delivery found Williams, whose header was deflected off Josh Bennett and into the grateful arms of Forster.

A 35th-minute free kick for the visitors was flicked towards Harris, who found midfielder Tom Chastey, but his cross-cum-shot went harmlessly out for a goal kick.

In the 39th minute, the on-top Lambs had another opportunity after an excellent challenge from Harris stopped Jamal Lawrence from breaking forward. The tackle sparked a Tavi attack, with Chastey slipping in White, whose effort was deflected into Forster’s arms.

In the 45th minute, White had another go from a tight angle, forcing Forster to punch clear.

Tavistock ended the first half in control, sending in numerous crosses through Fowles and Bowker, but the final delivery of the half was claimed by Forster as the referee signalled the break. Despite Melksham being a man down, it was still all to play for.

The first chance of the second half fell to the home side after a throw-in found former Yate man Stan Wyatt, who fired high over Holman’s bar.

In the 55th minute, Melksham took the lead with their first shot on target. An excellent move down the left found Lawrence, who opened his body and slotted calmly into the bottom-right corner for his fourth league goal of the season.

In response, on the hour mark, the Lambs made their first change, with Chastey replaced in midfield by Rhys Lindsell.

In the 63rd minute, Tavistock equalised, and what a goal it was. Winger Bowker picked up the ball on the right before losing it to Lawrence after a poor first touch. However, the attacker worked hard to win it back, advanced into midfield, and unleashed an audacious strike from 30 yards. The ball sailed over Forster and off the underside of the bar before bouncing in, a stunning goal that brought the Lambs level.

After the game, Bowker said, “It was the best strike I’ve ever hit.”

Melksham made their first change soon after, with Jack Carter replacing Olly Mehew. A minute later, goalscorer Lawrence was booked for a late challenge on centre-back Josh Baxter.

In the 70th minute, another Lambs chance saw Fowles and Bowker link up again, with the latter’s effort saved well by Forster.

Melksham then made a second substitution, with debutant Charlie Holliday replaced by Harry Gray. Five minutes later, the tireless Lawrence made way for Devanti McInerney.

Tavistock made their second change in the 79th minute, with White replaced by young forward Elis Aldrich, signed on dual registration for the match.

In the 83rd minute, a Melksham cross from Andrews caused problems when Holman spilled the ball, but McCabe, excellent on his Lambs debut, was on hand to clear.

In the 85th minute, a massive chance for Tavistock to win it saw a Bowker pass find Fowles, who took an excellent touch before firing powerfully at goal, only to be denied by a brilliant Forster save.

Following the chance, Will Christopher was replaced by Will Armstrong for the hosts. The Lambs made their final change in the 90th minute, with Northam coming on for the impressive Baxter.

With five minutes of added time, both sides created little, with McInerney’s deflected shot the closest either came to a winner. Bennett was booked for a foul on Fowles seconds before the referee blew the full-time whistle.

The draw sees the Lambs climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Stuart Henderson’s side are next in action on Tuesday in a crucial Devon derby away to bottom-of-the-table Bideford. Melksham also play on Tuesday, travelling to Winchester City.