Tavistock AFC forced into FA Cup replay after competitive St Blazey encounter

Tavistock AFC and St Blazey will meet again in the FA Cup this week after a competitive goalless draw in the Extra Preliminary Round tie at Langsford Park on Saturday.

The 0-0 scoreline did little to reflect an entertaining and hard-fought contest, with both sides having opportunities to break the deadlock and both goalkeepers making important contributions.

Saturday afternoon began with a poignant moment of remembrance as the club held a minute’s applause for Barry Knox, a hugely valued member of the Tavistock AFC community.

Knox, who passed away following a long battle with cancer, had served as the Lambs' goalkeeping coach during the club's successful spells in the South West Peninsula League and Western League.

The club had paid tribute to Knox before kick-off, sending its deepest condolences to his family and friends, and the Langsford Park crowd joined together to remember a man who had played an important part in Tavistock's recent history.

Once the football got underway, both teams settled into a closely contested opening.

Tavistock created some promising moments through Kian Burch, who was lively on the wing, while Tom Chastey also threatened after running through the Blazey defence.

Burch found space for an effort which was comfortably gathered, before another dangerous delivery went begging.

The visitors also enjoyed spells of pressure, with Tavistock goalkeeper Dan Holman producing a brilliant save to deny Blazey's number nine, Kai Burrell.

The biggest opportunity of the first half arrived just after the half-hour mark.

Tavistock were awarded a penalty after Tom Chastey was brought down in the area, but captain Shane White's low spot-kick was saved by Blazey goalkeeper Kyle Moore, who got down to his left to keep the scores level.

Blazey then came close themselves, with Aaron Bentley seeing a header cleared off the line during a sustained spell of pressure.

Tavistock finished the half strongly. A free-kick from Reece Shanley forced a good save, although forward Jack Crago could only lift the rebound over, while another promising move involving Chastey ended with a corner.

It was goalless at the interval.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with chances arriving at both ends.

Jacob Bowker was increasingly influential for the Lambs, delivering a dangerous cross which was eventually cleared before finding Crago with another ball, only for the resulting header to be comfortably caught.

Bowker then produced one of the game's best individual moments, embarking on a brilliant run before seeing his effort saved.

Blazey threatened on the break too, with Olly Redd firing wide after a quick attack.

Tavistock came close again when Joe Cook rose well to meet a cross, only for his goal-bound header to be blocked on the line.

There was still time for both sides to search for a winner, but neither could find the decisive touch.

Crago fired wide from distance before being replaced by Chris McPhee, while Noah Maund helped inject some late attacking impetus and won a corner after a promising cross.

The final whistle confirmed a 0–0 draw, meaning the two sides will now meet again in the FA Cup in the week at Blaise Park.

The replay adds another chapter to what is becoming a busy sequence between the two clubs.

With a league meeting also scheduled at Blaise Park later this month, Tavistock and St Blazey are set for a remarkable run of three encounters in a little over a week.

The cup replay comes amid a particularly demanding period for the Lambs, who also face Callington in the FA Vase on Saturday before returning to league action.

Tavistock currently sit 12th in the league table with four points from their opening three matches, while St Blazey have made a perfect start to their campaign, taking nine points from three games.

For Saturday's cup contest, Tavistock's official attendance was 255, with the club thanking everyone who came out to support the Lambs.

Manager Steve Tully named Jacob Bowker as Tavistock's Player of the Match for his energetic performance and attacking contribution.

With nothing separating the sides after 90 minutes, the Lambs now have another opportunity to settle the tie, and will have to do so away from home at Blaise Park in the week.