Tavistock AFC overcome Sidmouth setback with impressive Devon fightback
The Lambs fell behind against Sidmouth Town but fought back before half-time and added a third goal soon after the restart to take all three points
Tavistock AFC came from behind to beat Sidmouth Town 3-1 at Manstone Lane on Saturday afternoon, securing a second league win of the season.
The Lambs fell behind in the first half but turned the game around before the break and added a third goal shortly after half-time.
Tavistock started brightly, with lively midfielder Ryan Smith seeing an early effort go high and wide before experienced forward Jack Crago also went close.
Sidmouth threatened from set pieces and had a free header over the bar from a corner, while another chance fell to the hosts after a long throw.
The home side eventually took the lead in the 31st minute when a long throw was flicked on by Nathan Cooper and Cholwe Hachipuka finished at the near post.
Tavistock responded and continued to create chances.
Smith went close again after good work from Gene Price, while Crago tested the Sidmouth goalkeeper from outside the box.
The equaliser came foe the Lambs in the 39th minute.
A recycled corner caused problems in the Sidmouth box and captain Shane White reacted quickest to fire the ball home and make it 1-1.
The Lambs then completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time.
A free-kick from Reece Shanley was parried by the Sidmouth goalkeeper, but Gene Price was quickest to react and headed Tavistock into a 2-1 lead.
Tavistock went into the interval ahead despite Sidmouth having enjoyed a strong spell during the first half.
The Lambs then extended their advantage just four minutes after the restart.
Ryan Smith rose to meet the ball and produced a well-taken header to make it 3-1.
Sidmouth tried to respond, and there was a scare for Tavistock when a short back pass from White led to goalkeeper Dan Holman spilling the ball loose. However, defender Sam Gleeson cleared the resulting Town effort off the line.
Tavistock managed the game well as the second half progressed and continued to threaten on the break.
Striker Deacon Thomson raced away down the left and saw a shot parried for a corner in the 78th minute.
Sidmouth pushed forward late on but could not find a way back into the game, with Tavistock holding on for a 3-1 victory.
Manager Steve Tully was pleased with the response from his players, particularly after a difficult opening half.
“Delighted for the lads. Delighted for the three points,” said Tully.
“I thought second half we controlled the game and deservedly got the three points.”
The manager also praised Ryan Smith, who was later named Tavistock's Player of the Match.
“I thought Ryan was very good today. He caused them a lot of problems. He got in pockets, he hurt them,” said Tully.
Tully said the victory needed to be the beginning of a stronger run of results for the Lambs.
“It's got to be a start for us,” he said. “We've just got to make sure this is a start and go again.”
Saturday’s win moves Tavistock up to 15th in the Western League Premier Division table, with eight points from six matches.
The Lambs now face another away fixture on Tuesday evening when they travel to fellow Dartmoor outfit Bovey Tracey, who moved up to 10th after beating Wellington 8-0.