Tavistock undone as Westbury complete dramatic 16-minute turnaround to win

The Lambs came into the clash in Wiltshire making two changes from the side narrowly defeated at home to Didcot. Attackers Jacob Bowker and Ben Fowles returned to the starting eleven, replacing the injured Charlie Madden and young defender Olly Northam, who dropped to the bench.

The in-form hosts were the ones who started the clash well, with former Yate Town forward Bevan Cross lively from the off. The Welsh winger did well to reach the by line in the third minute and send in a cross which deflected off Ethan Wright for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by the Lambs, but three minutes later Cross was again running at Tavi’s by line before eventually being nudged off the ball by his namesake, Tavi captain Ben Cross.

READ NEXT: The growing story in Bovey Tracey grabbing attention across Devon

The Lambs grew more into the game and created a big chance in the eighth minute. Former Falmouth man Bowker slipped in forward Brad Williams, who took his time before smashing an effort towards the near post. However, the former Barnstaple man's strike was saved well by former Cinderford and Melksham goalkeeper Joel Manning.

The next fifteen minutes were scrappy, with both sides adjusting to the bobbly surface. The Lambs threatened down the wings through Bowker and left winger Rhys Lindsell, whose deliveries were dealt with confidently by the impressive Manning. For Westbury, Cross and Josh Jenkins created openings, but Dan Holman remained strong in the Tavi goal.

In the 28th minute, Holman produced an excellent save to deny a powerful effort from Cross. A long throw for the hosts eventually fell to the winger on the edge of the box, and his fierce strike towards the left corner was tipped away brilliantly by the Tavi born shot stopper, with Josh Baxter clearing the danger.

In the 33rd minute, the Lambs were inches from taking the lead when a Bowker cross from the right found Williams. The forwards looping header beat Manning but came back off the underside of the bar before being gathered by the grateful Westbury goalkeeper. Two minutes later the home side threatened, as a short corner to the lively Cross was flicked on by Jenkins and cleared off the line by right back Iestyn Harris, who was well positioned.

In the 41st minute, another Bowker cross was cleared into the path of Harris, who struck a powerful effort that dragged well wide of Manning's goal. In the 44th minute the Lambs pressure finally told. A ball from Fowles found Williams, who laid it off to young Tom Chastey, and the attacker calmly side footed into the bottom right corner for his first goal of the season. The Lambs went close again before the break when Lindsell crossed for Crago, whose flicked effort was turned wide by Manning.

The referee soon blew for half time with the Lambs just shading the contest. Westbury made one change at the break, with Aaron Witchell replacing Jamie Jordan.

The Lambs started the second half well. In the 47th minute Crago closed down a Manning goal kick and crossed for Fowles, whose header rolled just wide. Westbury made further changes on 50 minutes, with Ali Sen and Ben Starr replacing Ethan Cannings and Ackeem Stewart.

In the 51st minute, the Lambs doubled their lead with a sublime team move. Down the left, Wright threaded the ball to Lindsell, who took his time before sending in an excellent left footed delivery. The teenager's cross found Bowker perfectly at the far post, and the winger steered a clever finish into the corner, his third goal of an impressive season.

Two minutes later the hosts had a great opportunity to respond when a clearance fell to midfielder Brad Selwood, who chested the ball before volleying against the post. A minute later they did pull one back. A curling corner from the left was flicked in at the near post by Jenkins, with the linesman signalling the ball had crossed the line. It was Jenkins fourth league goal of the season.

In the 58th minute the hosts levelled. A free kick, awarded after Crago felt he had won the ball, was half cleared by Harris but only as far as Starr, who smashed a lethal strike into the roof of the net, leaving Holman with no chance. After the goal, Westbury brought on Samuel Francis for Jack Witcombe.

Four minutes later the turnaround was complete. Fowles appeared to be pushed off the ball in an attacking position, but play continued. Jenkins burst down the right and crossed for Selwood, who swept a composed finish into the far corner, sparking pandemonium at Platinum Hyundai Park. It was the midfielder's second of the season.

The Lambs made changes in an attempt to respond, with Fowles replaced by Ryan White in the 74th minute, and Bowker swapped for Oliver Stevens shortly after. Witchell was booked for a pull back on Chastey as Tavi looked to counter.

The Lambs first chance since falling behind came from White, whose powerful half volley was comfortably held by the in-form Manning. Westbury then made their final change, with the influential Jenkins replaced by Stephen Hulbert.

In the 87th minute Williams won a corner, which Chastey swung in. It eventually fell to Crago, who could not get a clean strike away amid a crowded penalty area. In added time, Sen had the chance to wrap the game up but blazed over Holman's goal.

Moments later, the referee blew for full time, confirming Westbury's third win in a week.

Westbury are next in action on Tuesday as they travel to Worcestershire to face Sporting Club Inkberrow. The Lambs also play on Tuesday, hosting Bristol Manor Farm at Langsford Park as they look to climb off the foot of the table.