Tavistock AFC show fighting spirit in entertaining draw with Saltash United
Young midfielder Tom Chastey struck twice as Tavistock AFC fought back against Saltash United in an entertaining midweek Western League Premier Division contest at Langsford Park
Two goals from young midfielder Tom Chastey helped Tavistock AFC come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Saltash United on Tuesday evening.
The Lambs, hosting the second of three back-to-back Western League Premier Division home fixtures, made the brighter start but were unable to turn early possession into clear-cut chances.
Their best opportunity of the opening half came on 33 minutes when former Saltash striker Deacon Thomson’s header struck the post before the rebound was cleared.
The Ashes responded well and took the lead two minutes later.
Kieran O'Melia cut in from the left and his shot slipped under Lambs goalkeeper Holman Dan and into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Tavistock responded quickly after the restart. Six minutes into the second half, experienced fullback Reece Shanley delivered a cross from the right and Tom Chastey met it with a sweet half-volley to level the scores.
The visitors regained the lead on 57 minutes when former Lamb Henry Donovan headed home from a cross, his fourth goal in his opening two league games.
Steve Tully's side continued to press for an equaliser and created several chances through Thomson, substitute Kian Birch and forward Jack Crago before finding a way back.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. Fullback Reece Shanley played another defence-splitting pass into the path of Chastey, who finished clinically to make it 2-2 and complete his brace.
Saltash pushed for a late winner, with Donovan's deflected effort going wide in the closing stages, while Ashes substitute George Powell was denied by Holman as both sides settled for a point.
After the match, manager Steve Tully named captain Shane White as Tavistock's Player of the Match.
The result leaves Tavistock fifth in the Premier Division table after two matches, with four points from a possible six, with Saltash just behind in sixth, also on four points.
231 spectators attended Tuesday evening’s game, proving another strong crowd for the Lambs after Saturday’s opener against Buckland brought in 320.
The Lambs return to Langsford Park on Saturday, when they host Somerset-based outfit Clevedon Town in their next league fixture.