Tavistock suffer painful loss in Southern League

Tavistock suffered a major setback in their fight for survival in the Southern League after being punished for a lacklustre first-half display at home to Falmouth Town.

The Lambs were 3-0 down before they actually got going. Luke Steer and Jacob Shore reduced the arrears after the break but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

It all makes New Year’s Day an even more important home game with the Robins of Bideford, who produced an outstanding defensive display to secure three brilliant points at high-flying Exmouth Town on Saturday.

Few gave Bideford much chance from a difficult trip to East Devon, where Exmouth have put together a storming season to sit just behind leaders Yate Town, but the Robins were inspired in opening up a healthy cushion on the bottom four.

Josh Webber and Scott Robinson both struck for Bideford in the first half and it was then a case of defensive resilience after the break. Exmouth did pull one back through Tom Bath but the Robins held on for a marvellous win.

Elsewhere in the division, Willand Rovers delivered a scintillating attacking display to squash Helston Athletic 4-0 at Silver Street. Finley Rooke bagged a hat-trick for Willand and there was also a goal for Josh Searle.

In the Premier Division, Tiverton Town looked to ease their relegation fears after surging into a 2-0 lead at Chertsey Town thanks to a double from Gabriel Billington, but the hosts fought back for a 2-2 draw.

Mitch Beardmore and Callum Hall scored in a vital 2-1 win for Plymouth Parkway over Havant & Waterlooville. Parkway and Tiverton remain in the bottom four, making their NYD clash in Plymouth a massive game for both clubs.