Tyler’s timely return rescues win for Tavistock

The return of midfielder Tyler Elliott from Helston Athletic was enough for Tavistock AFC to bag a massive three points in their fight for Southern League survival.

Welcoming mid-table Bashley to Langsford Park, the Lambs desperately needed maximum points to stay in touch the sides above them in Division One South, and Elliott delivered that winning blow early in the second half.

In a game of few chances, Kieran Edworthy was the architect of Tavi’s decisive moment, fizzing over a fine cross for Liam Prynn, who saw his initial effort well saved, but Elliott was in the right place to smash home the rebound.

Tavistock travel to Didcot Town this weekend, where another win could see them move level on points with Shaftesbury, the side sitting one place above the relegation zone.

In the Southern Premier, it was a similar story of celebration for Plymouth Parkway, who defeated Chertsey Town with a last-minute winner from Tylor Love-Holmes. The result gives Parkway a two-point cushion above the drop zone but Tiverton Town remain in serious trouble.

There was also amazing news for Parkway youngster Dylan Jones, who has been awarded a professional contract at Norwich City.

Plymouth Argyle prepared for the ultimate challenge in English football with a late double from substitute Ryan Hardie reviving hopes of survival in the Sky Bet Championship.

Seeking their first win in almost three months, and a first under new boss Miron Muslic, Argyle welcomed debutants Maksym Talovierov and Nikola Katic to a defence that has suffered some rough scorelines this season.

The new duo slotted in perfectly to a back three, as the Pilgrims comfortably resisted the attacking threat of promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion in a tight first period at Home Park.

The game continued to offer limited chances for either side until West Brom sub Jayson Molumby found space in the six-yard box to slot past Conor Hazard.

The goal was harsh of the Pilgrims, but their response will give Muslic huge encouragement for the challenges ahead, both in the Championship and in the form of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who visit in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Hardie had not been on the pitch long when his goalbound drive struck a defender’s hand and the Greens were awarded a penalty. Hardie took responsibility for a pressurised spot-kick and he delivered to level the scores.

Former Argyle goalkeeper Alex Palmer then denied Michael Obafemi with a super save, but Hardie would not be denied. After his initial effort was blocked, the determined Scot pounced on the rebound to lash home the winner on 88 minutes. Bring on Liverpool!

If the mood is improving at Home Park, it is darkening with every passing game up the road at Exeter City, as the Grecians slumped to a dismal 4-1 defeat at Stevenage, continuing a poor run that has seen them flirting with relegation trouble in Sky Bet League One. Torquay United’s National League South title hopes suffered a dent with a 1-0 loss at Maidstone.