Ten-man Tavistock fall to 0-2 defeat against North Devon outfit Bideford

Bideford came away with all three points from Langsford Park on Tuesday (14 October) evening, securing a well-earned 0-2 win over Tavistock in a competitive and, at times, hard-fought encounter. 

Second-half goals from Javan Wright and Moyse proved decisive for the visitors, while the Lambs’ hopes of a comeback were dealt a blow when McCabe was shown a second yellow card in the closing stages.

The game began under clear skies, with both sides showing attacking intent from the first whistle. Bideford made the stronger start, forcing an early corner as Roberts’ delivery caused confusion in the Tavistock defence, before Turner went close with a low strike that was well saved by Holman in the home goal. 

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Moments later, Wright fired over after a long throw from Fin found him in space, and the Robins continued to apply pressure with a series of crosses and set pieces. 

Turner once again came close, meeting a Winsor cross with a firm header that was cleared off the line by a retreating Tavistock defender.

The Lambs gradually settled into the game, responding through Fowles, whose shot from distance was beaten away by Semmens, and Bowker, who found joy driving forward from midfield. 

White and Crago combined well down the left flank but were unable to produce a clear opening. As half-time approached, Tavistock began to enjoy their best spell of the half. 

A late corner caused panic in the Bideford box, and the ball was eventually bundled into the net, only for the referee to blow for a foul on the goalkeeper. Both sides went in at the break still searching for the opener.

After the restart, the Robins immediately looked sharper. Roberts tested Holman early on with a dipping free-kick, and Reay sent a fierce effort just over the bar as Bideford increased the pressure. 

Their persistence was rewarded in the 61st minute. A precise through ball split the Tavistock defence and found Javan Wright, who showed great composure to slot calmly into the bottom corner and give Bideford a 0-1 lead.

The visitors might have doubled their advantage soon after when Wright again went close, only for Jackson to make a vital block on the line. At the other end, Tavistock pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Crago’s dangerous cross caused a scramble in the box as the hosts looked for a way back into the contest.

The game became increasingly open in the final quarter of an hour. Tavistock made attacking changes, introducing Cross, Baxter, and Northam to add fresh legs, but their momentum was halted in the 83rd minute when McCabe, already on a yellow card, was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a challenge on Robinson. 

Bideford capitalised on the extra man almost immediately. A slick passing move saw Turner feed Wright, who squared the ball perfectly for Moyse to sweep home from close range and make it 0-2 with just five minutes remaining.

Tavistock refused to give up, and Crago forced a late save after good work from Holman and Joel, but the visitors’ defence held firm through five minutes of added time to record a clean sheet and a valuable away victory. 

It was a solid, professional performance from Bideford, who managed the game well after taking the lead and showed quality in both boxes when it mattered most. Tavistock, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have created more chances, but there were positives in their play, particularly from goalkeeper Holman who earned himself Lambs’ Man of the Match.

The Lambs are on the road again on Saturday (18 October) as they travel up to Worcestershire to take on SC Inkberrow FC. Bideford are at home to Malvern, before both sides take each other on once again next Wednesday (22 October) back at Langsford Park for the St Luke’s Devon Bowl second round.