Men's 2nd XI Vs Tavistock A [League]

Duchy Edge Past Tavistock

An excellent collective effort saw Duchy snatch a narrow victory in a tense match at Kelly College to maintain their six-point lead at the top of South West 1. 

Duchy teams have traditionally struggled to pick up points away to Tavistock and this, coupled with the poor weather and late-afternoon start under the lights, saw the Cornishmen start the match prepared for a stern test. 

The home side duly obliged; and an end-to-end first half ensued with both sides creating chances early on. Duchy had the ball in the net after ten minutes, only to have the effort chalked off - correctly - with no attacker having touched the ball in the circle, whilst at the other end Kevin Welsh made a fine stop to deny Tavistock an opener. Mid-way through the half Duchy broke the deadlock with Owen Holton's thunderous shot being guided into the net thanks to the faintest touch from Lee Selby, however Tavistock responded well and - amidst an unexpected volley of fireworks around half time - scored an excellent goal of their own with a neat reverse stick shot. 

After a half time break more befitting the Superbowl than South West 1, both sides continue to press however the defences and 'keepers excelled with the Tavistock 'keeper twice saving well to keep out Tom Elliott and Martin Crump, whilst Rick Searle put in a commanding performance at the centre of the Duchy defence. With 13 minutes remaining Duchy finally restored their advantage, with Searle collecting a loose ball after a broken-down penalty corner and crossing to the back post where Selby had time to calmly slot the ball home for 2-1. 

The final ten minutes were well managed by Duchy, who re-structured with Neil Bradford dropping deeper to bolster the midfield; and although Tavistock continued to threaten - once requiring a brilliant save on the line from Andrew Watson - the visitors held on for a valuable away win. 

Man of the Match was awarded to Rick Searle

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tavistock A | 33f

Duchy A | Lee Selby 18f, 57f