Tavistock AFC Reserves produce dramatic comeback to seal first league win

Tavistock AFC Reserves claimed their first victory of the South Devon League Division Two season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over a resolute Paignton Saints 2nds side.

With a couple of changes to the squad due to player unavailability, Tavistock knew they would have to work hard against a Paignton side looking to bounce back from a difficult opening game of the season.

It was the Saints who struck first, with a goal that was somewhat against the run of play.

A long-range effort was tipped over the bar by Tavistock goalkeeper Lock, with the resulting corner causing problems for the home defence.

A Saints player was allowed to lose his marker and rose highest to head the corner into the far corner of the net.

Tavistock responded positively and refused to let their heads drop.

Their pressure was rewarded when a looping cross into the Saints penalty area saw Owen Lauderdale challenge for the ball, putting pressure on the Paignton defender, who could only head the ball into his own net to bring Tavistock level.

The game developed into an entertaining end-to-end contest, with Tavistock producing some excellent football in spells.

Tavistock’s second goal was the result of a superb team move down the left.

Lauderdale picked up the ball and showed great determination and skill to beat two Saints defenders before delivering a fizzing cross into the box.

Aaron Hughes was waiting at the back post and made no mistake, smashing the ball into the net to put the hosts ahead.

Paignton began to find their way back into the contest as they searched for an equaliser.

A ball over the top sent a Saints striker racing towards goal in a foot race with a Tavistock defender.

The striker appeared to tangle feet with the defender, sending the Tavistock man to the ground, but to the amazement of the home side the referee waved play on.

Saints took full advantage and finished the move to level the score at 2-2, leaving the sides all square at the interval.

Tavistock made two changes at half time, with defender Isaac Northam and forward Daniel Udo introduced as the Reserves looked to find a way through the Saints defence.

The second half became a real midfield battle, with neither side able to take complete control of the game.

Chances were at a premium as both teams fought for possession, and as the clock ticked towards full time it looked increasingly likely that the points would be shared.

But Tavistock had other ideas.

With the game entering its closing stages, a fantastic ball was played in behind the Saints defence.

Substitute Daniel Udo showed his lightning pace to race clear of the last defender before keeping his composure and smashing the ball past the Saints goalkeeper, to regain the lead for the hosts once more.

The final 15 minutes proved to be a real test of character for the home side as Paignton piled on the pressure in search of another equaliser.

This time, however, Tavistock's defence stood firm.

Wave after wave of pressure was repelled as the Reserves battled, defended and worked tirelessly to protect their slender advantage.

When the final whistle eventually sounded, there were celebrations all around the home side as Tavistock secured all three points from a thrilling opening home league fixture.

It was a result built on determination, attacking quality and a strong finish, with Lauderdale and Hughes instrumental in Tavistock's first-half comeback before Udo's late winner provided the decisive moment.

The Reserves can now look forward to their next challenge as they take their winning momentum on the road as they face East Allington United 2nds at 2.30pm next Saturday (19 September).