Fine margins cost Tavistock AFC in hard-fought Southern League battle at Brixham

Tavistock AFC slipped to a tough 2-0 defeat on the road as Brixham AFC secured the points in a closely contested Southern League encounter at Wall Park Road.

The Lambs made a positive start to the game, pressing early and winning a free kick in a dangerous area inside the opening ten minutes. 

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Ryan White was lively in the opening exchanges, closing defenders down well, while skipper Jack Crago looked to drive the side forward from the wings.

Brixham threatened intermittently in the first half, with Johansen racing through on ten minutes before Jack Arthur was alert to recover the ball following a brief scramble. 

The hosts began to apply pressure midway through the half, though their efforts were either off target or comfortably dealt with by the Tavistock defence and goalkeeper.

Tavistock came close on several occasions before the break. Ethan Wright surged down the wing on 40 minutes and laid the ball off to Crago, whose delivery found George Newton, but his effort failed to hit the target. 

Just before half-time, Crago again created an opening, cutting the ball back across goal where Ryan White was unable to get a shot away, and Newton’s follow-up drifted wide.

The teams went in level at the interval with little to separate them.

The second half opened cautiously, with both sides sounding each other out. However, the deadlock was broken on 56 minutes when Brixham capitalised on a set piece. 

A free kick was parried by Lambs keeper Arthur, and Fisherman Reece Somers reacted quickest to slot home the rebound for the hosts.

Tavistock responded by making changes, with Elis Aldrich and Jacob Bowker entering the fray, and looking to find an equaliser. 

Newton went close on 74 minutes when set away, but his effort struck the side netting. Substitute Bowker delivered a dangerous free kick on 80 minutes, which was flicked on but lacked the decisive touch inside the box.

As the game wore on, Tavistock continued to push forward, while Arthur produced a fine save late on to keep the visitors in contention. 

Seven minutes of added time were signalled with the Lambs still pushing for an equaliser, but it was Brixham who scored next to seal the points deep into stoppage time when a penalty was awarded. 

Aaron Wellington calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0 and secure a league double over Tavi for the men in blue.

Despite moments of promise, Tavistock were unable to turn their chances into goals and were left frustrated at the final whistle as they slipped to a ninth successive defeat which leaves the Lambs 11 points from safety.

Manager Stuart Henderson spoke to Jamie Townsend after the game:

“There wasn't a lot in the game, I think we were the better team in the first half, two big chances we didn't take and if those chances come to an experienced prolific player and you score one or both chances then the game changes” he said.

Tavistock AFC return to league action with two home fixtures in the next week, first facing Larkhall Athletic on Wednesday (7 January) and then Sporting Club Inkberrow the following Saturday (10 January).