Tavistock AFC fall to four-goal Larkhall as early goals prove decisive

Tavistock AFC suffered a heavy four goal defeat at Langsford Park as Larkhall Athletic ran out comfortable winners in the Southern League Division One South.

The Lambs fell behind early on Tuesday (31 March) night and were unable to recover after a clinical first-half display from the visitors, who led by three goals at the break.

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Larkhall made a fast start and opened the scoring in the sixth minute when forward Dawid Regula fired low past goalkeeper Thomas Burstow. 

The number nine doubled the Larks lead shortly after, capitalising on a defensive error and finishing emphatically to make it 0-2, collecting his 20th and 21st goals of the season within 13 minutes.

Tavistock struggled to gain a foothold in the game, although Jack Crago and Ethan Wright combined on a few promising attacks, without seriously testing Larkhall keeper Liam Armstrong.

The visitors extended their advantage just before half-time when Harvey Pritchard finished neatly after a well-worked move, leaving the Lambs with a mountain to climb by half-time.

Tavistock made several changes after the break in an attempt to turn the tide, with Lewie Rendle, Tom Chastey and Elis Aldrich all introduced, but clear chances remained limited.

Larkhall continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Regula going close to completing his hat-trick early in the second half, while Burstow was called into action on several occasions to keep the scoreline down.

The game had already effectively ended as a contest when Larkhall were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute, with Spencer Dymond-Hall dismissed for a late challenge on Crago, and Tavistock were still unable to take advantage.

Instead, the visitors added a fourth goal 10 minutes from time in unusual fashion, as Freddie King’s whipped corner slipped through keeper Burstow’s hands and into the net.

Crago went closest for Tavistock late on, heading over from a corner, while Ethan Wright also saw an effort drift just wide, but the Lambs were unable to find a consolation.

The result leaves Tavistock AFC looking to respond quickly when they return to league action on Good Friday, hosting Malvern Town at Langsford Park.