Tavistock AFC show fight but Shaftesbury claim win in lively Langsford Park clash

Tavistock AFC were beaten 1-3 by Shaftesbury at Langsford Park on Wednesday night in what turned out to be a highly competitive Southern League encounter.

The Lambs, who were already relegated and rooted to the bottom of the table, gave a great account of themselves against a play-off chasing Shaftesbury side.

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The Rockies made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when number eight Santos converted from the penalty spot after an early foul.

Tavistock, however, showed real promise and responded almost immediately. 

Within two minutes, forward Jack Crago worked hard to win the ball back, laying off for Tom Chastey to find goal-scoring midfielder Jacob Bowker who fired home a low effort for a quick equaliser.

Both sides continued to attack with intent in an open first half, with chances at either end. 

Crago remained a main threat for the Lambs, while Shaftesbury also came close with headers and long-range efforts.

The decisive moment of the half came in the 43rd minute when Tavistock conceded a controversial second penalty, with many, including Shaftesbury officials, believing the decision to be soft. 

Santos again stepped up and put the ball past young keeper Thomas Burstow for his second and to give the visitors a 1-2 lead at the break.

At half-time, Shaftesbury’s social media said the home team were “looking anything but a bottom of the table side” and that they still had “work to do”.

Tavistock continued to push for the equaliser after the restart, playing some of their best football in months. 

Returning and experienced defender Charlie Madden saw a long-range effort go wide, while a dangerous delivery from goal-scorer Bowker evaded everyone in the box. 

Young defender Oliver Northam later headed into the keeper Ben Taylor’s arms as the Lambs continued searching for an equalising goal.

Chances continued at both ends of the pitch, with Shaftesbury’s Charlie Burden heading over and Tavistock creating openings of their own through Crago and others.

The visitors eventually extended their lead in the 70th minute when league top goalscorer and captain Tobias Holmes ran through and finished from close range after the ball was squared.

Tavistock continued to battle, with Northam and others going close, while Holmes nearly added another when his effort struck the bar in the closing stages.

In added time, the Lambs pushed hard  for a way back into the game, but were denied by a series of defensive efforts and saves, including two stops from the Shaftesbury goalkeeper Taylor.

Shaftesbury described it as “a hard fought win on the road”, adding that Tavistock had given them “a really competitive game”.

Tavistock now return to action on Saturday for their final Southern League home game of the season, when they host seventh placed Hartpury FC on a ‘pay what you like’ community day.