Tavistock AFC fall to home defeat as visitors secure play-off place

Tavistock AFC were beaten 1-3 at home by Malvern Town FC on Good Friday, as the visitors secured a Southern League Division One South play-off place.

The Lambs made a strong start at Langsford Park and took the lead early on. 

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Forward and top goalscorer Jack Crago converted from the penalty spot in the sixth minute after a counter-attack ended with a foul in the box.

Malvern responded quickly and turned the game around midway through the first half with two goals in quick succession. 

Sam Clark equalised before Piers Walton added a second soon after to give the visitors a 1-2 lead.

Tavistock went into the break trailing but still in contention, taking positives after scoring early on. 

However, the away side extended their advantage shortly after half-time when Harry Clark powered home from a corner to make it 1-3.

The hosts made a series of changes in an attempt to get back into the game, with Ryan White, Lewis Flowers and Rhys Lindsell among those introduced in the second half.

Despite some pressure, Tavistock were unable to find a way through, with Malvern goalkeeper Josh Bishop making a number of saves late on to preserve the lead.

Malvern saw out the closing stages to secure all three points, confirming their place in the end-of-season play-offs for the second consecutive year.

Tavistock will now look to respond as they travel to third placed Portishead Town on Easter Monday in what is sure to prove another tough test for Steve Tully’s side.