ECPL CUP - Tavistock 1 Bere Alston Utd 4 - Match Report

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Langsford Park was the venue for two local rivals to play their 3rd game against each other this season. Tavistock will be disappointed with 3 or 4 missed chances in the first 20 minutes, however the team spirit and determination combined with pace and ruthless finishing earned Bere Alston their 3rd win out of 3 against their local rivals.

Both sides were bright early on with Will Westlake bringing an early save out of Rowe in the Tavistock goal. However Tavistock began to find acres of space in behind the Bere defence with their pacy forwards springing the offside trap on several occasions. The pressure paid off when Tavistock took the lead after 25 mins from a one v one situation which left Howells exposed by his defence.

Much to their credit Bere were able to turn the game around for the next 20 mins, with neat play in the middle of the park Bere were able to begin dominating possession. From a angled ball Ian Crabb was able to provide the flick on for Westlake to bring the scores level with a left foot strike from 10yrds.

The Bere defence had regained their composure and dealt with all Tavistock had to offer whilst at the other end the Tavistock keeper had to be at his best to deny Westlake once more. On 44 mins Bere took the lead in spectacular style, from a half cleared corner Lee Blatchford fizzed a stunnig drive from fully 30yrds which crashed in off the angle to take Bere in at half time 2-1 up.

The second half tempo was as lively as the first. With Bere looking dangerous on both flanks. Tavistocks forwards however were unable to ruffle the resolute Bere Alston rearguard. As Tavistock midfield pushed on to support the attack Bere were able to exploit the extra space on the counter attack with the pace of Westlake and Beesley the latter only denied a deserved goal by a last ditch clearnace having rounded the advancing Rowe in the Tavistock goal. The killer goal came on 65 mins with the classy Blatchford racing onto a deft slide rule pass and nonchalantly clipped the ball over Rowe from the edge of the box.

Tavistock came back with a period of pressure which saw a succession of corners and free kicks which saw Bere fiercley defending their box with Howells in the Bere goal confidently claiming a number of high balls, without really having a shot to save after some wayward long range efforts.

With Truscott and Follett on for the hardworking Crabb and Beesley, Bere were able to turn the screw further. Good saves from Rowe denied Truscott on a couple of occassions with the razor sharp striker finding an extra yard of pace on the Tavistock back line. Tavi were again punished for over commiting men forward when Lee Blatchford completed a superb hat trick after finding space in the box to slam the ball home from 15 yrds in the 85th minute.

It was overall an excellent game and credit goes to both side playing fast and flowing attacking football. However Bere's non stop hardwork and extra bit of class in front of goal, sharpness in the middle of the park and strength in defence gave them a deserved win.

Bere Alston: C Howells; D Smalley, M Wheeler, J Clancy. N Harvey; L Blatchford, D Discombe, A Reid; W Westlake©, Z Beesley ( C Truscott) , I Crabb (D Follett); Not used : T Truscott

Att: 100-125

[Guest BJs]

A very good and fair report. Two footballing sides played in a good but competive spirit