WESTERN PREMIER Saltash Utd 2 Tavistock AFC 0
- Details
- Last Updated on Monday, 02 August 2021 11:53
- Published on Sunday, 01 August 2021 09:50
- Written by KEVIN MARRIOTT at Kimberley
It might have taken them more than an hour to break the deadlock, but once they did, Saltash blossomed and should have won by a bigger margin on their return to the Western League after 14 years.
Central defender Callum O’Brien’s looping header from Jarrad Woods’ long range free kick gave the Ashes the breakthrough on 61 minutes and super sub Scott Crocker doubled the lead nine minutes later.
Tavistock, surprisingly slow out of the blocks for such a talent-laden team, then had to rely on the excellence of goalkeeper Josh Oak to keep the score down as Saltash cashed in on the visitors’ need to press forward by exploiting large gaps in defence.
Tavistock sub Brad Austen had two efforts ruled out for offside in the space of three minutes near the end – the first was clearly offside, the second a much closer call.
Had one of those counted, the outcome of the game might have been different, but in all honesty Stuart Henderson’s side left themselves with too much to do.
They failed to register an effort on target in a battling first half and although they looked more of a threat in the second half, with a strong midfield forcing Ashes back, home keeper Ryan Rickard had very little to do.
By contrast, the Ashes came out of the blocks quickly and striker Reece Thomson, who went on to have a magnificent match, could have scored twice in the opening 11 minutes.
His superb fifth minute shot from 18 yards was brilliantly tipped past the post by Oak and six minutes later he volleyed over from 10 yards when given far too much space from a corner.
For the rest of the first half chances were scarce and the sides went into the break with plenty to play for.
Saltash’s two signings from Liskeard, midfield man Woods and striker Tom Cleveland, marked their debuts with yellow cards which underlined their determination to make an impact for their new team.
A glimpse of their understanding as players came in the 55th minute when Cleveland produced an exquisite pass from inside his own half to send Woods away along the left.
He worked his way into the box and provided a pass for Thomson but his effort went just wide.
Thomson did find the net on the hour only for the effort was ruled out for offside – but within a minute the breakthrough was achieved from a set piece.
Woods prepared to take a free kick from just inside the Tavistock half but he delayed it as O’Brien made his way upfield to increase Saltash’s aerial threat.
So Tavistock could not say they were not warned. Woods duly delivered his free kick to the far post and O’Brien rose to send a looping header over Oak into the net.
It was almost 2-0 a minute later as Thomson produced an excellent low cross from the right and Cleveland, whose initial shot was blocked, fired against the post.
It proved to be Cleveland’s last action as he was replaced by former Argyle youngster Scott Crocker, who took only five minutes to mark his Ashes’ debut with a goal.
Woods set up Thomson, his shot was blocked by Oak, but the ball went spinning towards the net and Crocker was on hand to head the ball over the line from under the bar.
Saltash might have added more goals – Thomson’s cheeky backheel was scrambled off the line and Sam Farrant’s shot was saved by Oak when it looked easier to score.
Crocker was then denied by the legs of Oak and in injury time Dave Barker blasted high and wide after being set up by Farrant.
This was a very strong all round performance from the Ashes, who still have injured pair Sam Hughes and Callum Martindale, and Henry Wilson (suspended), to come back into the squad for Wednesday’s trip to Helston.
For Tavistock, it’s a false start – they are better than this.
Saltash: R Rickard, D Barker, D Lewis, S Leary, C O’Brien, C Elkington (C Menhenick 87), S Cleary, S Farrant, R Thomson (R Smith 90+2), J Woods, T Cleveland (S Crocker 66).
Subs not used: E Milne, T Love-Holmes.
Goals: C O’Brien (61), S Crocker (70).
Yellow cards: J Woods (32), T Cleveland (47), S Crocker (87).
Tavistock: J Oak, B Cross, W Dawe, L Edmondson, J Robins, C Watson, D Hallett, T Burns (K Burns 72), T Rosenquest, M Gusterson (B Austen 70), L Brown (L Prynn 59).
Subs not used: L Daw, I Harris.
Yellow card: L Edmondson (78).
Referee: James Long.
Attendance: 231.
SWSN Star: Reece Thomson – ran Tavistock ragged
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