Bovey Tracey battle through second-half twists in Tavistock AFC cup tie

Tavistock AFC were knocked out of the Les Phillips Cup after a 3-2 home defeat to Bovey Tracey on Tuesday evening, with the Lambs now turning their attention back to the Western League Premier Division.

Connor Marshall’s side came from behind to level the score in the second half, but two late goals from the visitors proved decisive at Langsford Park.

The first half ended goalless despite chances at both ends. New signing Tom Hensman sent an early effort over the bar, while Blake Colton tested the Bovey goalkeeper before young striker Daniel Udo fired over from the rebound.

Udo thought he had put Tavistock ahead in the 15th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Max Edgecombe, who was beginning his second spell at the club.

Bovey threatened throughout the half, with Lambs keeper Dan Holman making several key interventions.

He saved with his legs from an early effort by Oliver Aplin, claimed a cross and later punched a shot from the edge of the area over the bar.

Tavistock also came close when a long clearance from Holman caused confusion in the Bovey defence.

The Bovey keeper Andrew Collings came off his line, but Udo’s effort was blocked on the goal line.

The sides went into the break at 0-0, but the deadlock was broken just three minutes into the second half.

Substitue Levi Landricombe struck a half-volley to put Bovey ahead in the 48th minute.

Tavistock responded and drew level in the 53rd minute.

After his initial opportunity, Udo got a second chance and finished to score his first goal for the club’s first team.

The game remained open, with both sides creating opportunities.

Bovey struck the post in the 60th minute, while Udo came close to putting Tavistock ahead three minutes later, also hitting the post with an effort after a well-worked move.

However, Landricombe restored Bovey’s lead in the 74th minute with a low shot that went underneath Holman.

Tavistock pushed for another equaliser, with Hensman breaking forward before the move ended with Udo’s shot being deflected clear.

Bovey extended their advantage in the 86th minute when another substitute Thomas Ross finished after the ball dropped loose in the area.

Tavistock responded almost immediately.

Young full-back Rhys Lindsell, captaining the Lambs, worked his way down the flank and crossed for substitute Toby Alcantara to tap into an empty net, also scoring his first goal for the first team, and making it 3-2.

Huck Enticknap tried his luck from the edge of the area in the closing stages, but his effort was caught by the goalkeeper as Bovey held on to progress.

Owen Raven was named Tavistock’s Player of the Match following his performance in defence.

The defeat ends Tavistock’s run in the Les Phillips Cup, leaving Marshall’s side to concentrate on league duties.

Bovey will now play the winners of Wednesday evening’s tie between St Blazey and Liskeard in the next round.

Tavistock sit eighth in the Western League Premier Division with 24 points from 15 matches, and Bovey Tracey are just below in tenth, with 19 points from 16 games.

Tavistock travel to Wells City on Saturday, October 24, for a 3pm kick-off, and Bovey are also on the road, making the trip to Portishead on Saturday for a 3pm kick off..