Tavistock AFC edged out by Clevedon Town after dramatic finish at Langsford Park

Tavistock AFC suffered their first Western League Premier Division defeat of the season as unbeaten Clevedon Town claimed a 2-1 victory at Langsford Park on Saturday.

A crowd of 171 watched the Lambs produce a spirited display against one of the league's early pace-setters, with Steve Tully's side creating plenty of opportunities before a late penalty from captain Shane White set up a dramatic finish.

The visitors struck first after 10 minutes. Following a scramble inside the penalty area, Charlie Saunders reacted quickest to convert after an initial effort had rebounded into his path, giving Clevedon an early advantage.

Tavistock responded positively and enjoyed good spells of possession.

Tom Chastey had already forced an early save, while Sam Hillson tested James Dunn and Deacon Thomson curled a dangerous free-kick towards goal.

Jack Crago headed wide from a promising position before Hillson saw a header cleared off the line, as the Lambs searched for an equaliser.

Clevedon almost doubled their lead just before the break, but Dan Holman produced an excellent save to tip James Wakefield's deflected header onto the crossbar, keeping the deficit at one going into half-time.

Tully reshuffled his side during the second half, introducing forward Rubin Wilson at the interval before Jacob Bowker and Ryan Smith were brought on just before the hour, with Rhys Lindsell also entering the action.

However, Clevedon doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Laurent Davis-Wilson reacted quickest after an initial effort had been blocked, firing home to make it 2-0.

Despite the setback, Tavistock continued to press. Bowker quickly made an impact, delivering a cross that Deacon Thomson headed narrowly wide, while Thomson later forced another opportunity after breaking clear on the left.

Thomson, who was later named Tavistock's Player of the Match by goalkeeping coach Scott Telford, was a constant threat throughout, leading the Tavi line with energy and creating several of the home side's best openings.

The Lambs persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time. Bowker's shot led to Thomson being brought down inside the penalty area, and White confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick high to the goalkeeper's left to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Tavistock threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Bowker and Ryan both going close as the hosts searched desperately for an equaliser, but Clevedon held firm to preserve their perfect start to the season.

The defeat leaves Tavistock 11th in the Western League Premier Division table with four points from their opening three matches, following a win, a draw and a loss.

Clevedon move level on nine points with leaders Shepton Mallet after maintaining their 100 per cent record.

Attention now turns to an attractive pre-season fixture on Tuesday evening when Plymouth Argyle visit Langsford Park for a 7.30pm kick-off.

The match offers local supporters the opportunity to see higher-level opposition in action before Tavistock resume their competitive campaign, with an FA Cup Extra Preliminary round home fixture against St Blazey to follow.