Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier Torpoint Athletic 4
Tavistock AFC 1
THE Lambs' poor start to the season continued with a heavy defeat at Torpoint.
Manager Ian Southcott was again forced to make several changes to the team due to injuries. New central defender Joe Smith joined the injury list following a knock picked up in last week's game at St Blazey, along with Aaron Northmore who is still out due to a knee injury.
This with the unavailability of Jarryd Kelly, Ryan Moorhead, Johnny Wyatt, and Dean Smith, saw a much changed line-up from the previous game. Thankfully, Dave Hallett and Joe Carey returned to the side.
The visitors got off to the worst possible start when in the fifth minute Torpoint were awarded what the Lambs' side could only see as a soft penalty,when Lewis Young was fouled by Ahearn in the penalty area. Danny Brook smashed the spot-kick into the top left corner.
Five minutes later the Lambs thought they had equalised when, following a corner kick, the ball was partially cleared to Hallett just outside the penalty area, his cross was slotted into the net, but unfortunately for the visitors Ahearn was given off-side.
Torpoint doubled their lead in the 20th minute when the Tavistock defence was split open by a fine pass from Brook to send Lewis Young clear to fire past Ansell from ten yards.
Shortly after the interval the home team made the game safe when a really good move by Brook and Young set up Colin Martindale to fire home in the 49th minute.
The home side's fourth goal came in the 64th minute when poor defending from a corner kick resulted in Dave Smith placing a firm header past Ansell from ten yards.
The Lambs never gave up and got some reward when they were awarded a penalty when Miles Johnson was brought down in the penalty area. Ryan Honey converted the spot-kick.
The Lambs could not be faulted for effort and kept going to the final whistle, but Torpoint were worthy winners.
It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Lambs with no win in four games. The team play some really attractive football at times, but one thing is evident — there is no penetration or real threat when they get in the attacking third of the field.
The team really lack punch up front. This accompanied with an unsettled line-up are the main causes for such a poor start, hopefully everyone will be available for selection for the next fixture on September 9.