Carlsberg South West Peninsula premier

Saltash United 1

Tavistock AFC 0

THIS was a game between two evenly matched sides, with both teams creating numerous chances. Poor finishing resulted in the game being decided when the home team were awarded a disputed penalty decision in the 53rd minute.

The game got off to a fast start, and it was the Lambs that created the first opening - a good move between Kelvin Fyneboy, Jack Crago, Dan Follett, and Pedro Cavalho, saw Fyneboy fire over the bar from 12 yards.

In the 15th minute a terrific move by the Lambs  saw Dan Follett’s shot cannon back off the upright. This stirred the home team into action and both Alexander and Farrant saw their efforts hit the woodwork. The remainder of a frenetic first half saw both teams creating opportunities but neither could find that finishing touch.

Early in the second half the home team was awarded a penalty for which the visitors argued that there appeared to be little contact between the two players.

Dave Trott made no mistake with the spot kick to give the home team the lead. It looked like Saltash would take control at this point, but after coming to terms with this set back, the Lambs applied themselves, and started to get a foothold back into the game.

Midway through the half, another questionable decision resulted in Ashes’ Alexander being sent off following a melee. The Lambs then thought they should have had a penalty when Pedro Cavalho appeared to be brought down in the penalty area. However, the referee waved play on.

The home side defended in numbers for the remainder of the game, with  captain Toby Clark outstanding, as he marshalled his forces. The Lambs were disappointing as they could not find that final ball to open up the home defence. When they did get a sight on goal, their shooting was repeatedly either wide, or way over the bar, and as a result never actually tested Shields in the home goal.

This was a disappointing performance, and there is a definite need to address the lack of turning good chances into goals. One should always ensure that the goalkeeper has to make a save. In this game there were shots that flew high and wide on several occasions.

If the team improve in this aspect of their game then results will come, as the team is still playing some fine football.