Tavistock AFC impress despite Plymouth Argyle defeat in front of bumper crowd

Tavistock AFC produced an encouraging performance before Plymouth Argyle's quality proved decisive in a 4-1 friendly defeat in front of a crowd of 1,491 at Langsford Park.

The Western League Premier Division side more than played their part against an Argyle team featuring a blend of experienced first-team players and academy prospects.

The Lambs made a bright start and went ahead after 15 minutes. A corner was flicked on by forward Chris McPhee before midfielder Jacob Bowker reacted quickest at the back post to fire home and give the hosts a deserved advantage.

Argyle responded positively and levelled seven minutes later. Bradley Ibrahim's inswinging corner was met by Brendan Wiredu, whose header found the net to make it 1-1.

The visitors almost went ahead before the break when Freddie Issaka weaved through the Tavistock defence, only to see his left-footed effort crash against the underside of the crossbar.

The sides went in level at half-time, with Tavistock having matched their League One neighbours for long periods.

Argyle stepped up the pressure after the restart but Tavistock continued to threaten.

Noah Maund delivered an inviting cross that just evaded his team-mates, but moments later, Argyle took control.

On 61 minutes, academy forward James Sharpe collected the ball outside the penalty area before curling a superb left-footed strike into the right-hand stanchion to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Forward Jack Crago came closest to bringing the Lambs' level, only for James Storer to produce an excellent save from his header.

Wiredu then scored his second of the evening with another headed finish from inside the box on 74 minutes to extend the Argyle lead.

Caleb Roberts wrapped up the scoring five minutes from time with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner.

Despite the defeat, there were encouraging performances throughout the Tavistock side.

Young winger Kian Burch caused problems down the left throughout the first half and was named the Lambs' Player of the Match by manager Steve Tully.

Both sides will now turn their attention back to competitive football, with respective cup home ties over the weekend.

Tom Cleverley's side begin their season next Monday with a home tie in the Carabao Cup against Devon rivals Exeter City.

The Lambs’ focus switches to the Emirates FA Cup, with an Extra Preliminary tie at home to St Blazey AFC on Saturday.

Tavistock AFC: Dan Holman; Reece Shanley, Sam Gleeson, Callum Watson, Shane White (captain), Jacob Bowker, Ryan Smith, Kian Burch, Rhys Lindsell, Tallan Burns, Chris McPhee.

Substitutes: Sam Hillson, Owen Lauderdale, Tom Chastey, Jack Crago, Charlie Escot, Noah Maund, Oliver Cleeve, Gene Price, Ryan Bath.

Plymouth Argyle: Jimmy Storer; Brendan Wiredu, Julio Pleguezuelo, Bradley Ibrahim, Caleb Roberts, Freddie Issaka, Frankie Maund, Seb Campbell, Sam Hayman, Joe Mwaro, Jared Rendle.

Substitutes: Leo McCormick, Dylan Williams, Harry Locke, Joel Tolcher, James Sharpe.

Attendance: 1,491.