Tavistock fall to second half blows despite spirited performance on poignant evening

Tavistock slipped to a 0-2 home defeat against relegation rivals Melksham Town in a closely fought encounter that remained goalless until midway through the second half.

In front of a crowd of 150, the Lambs produced one of their more competitive performances of the season but were ultimately undone by clinical finishing at key moments.

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A minute’s applause was held before kick-off at Langsford Park as players, staff and supporters paid tribute to long-serving club volunteer Eric Pinch, who passed away last week. 

Members of Tavistock’s men’s, women’s and U23 sides gathered in remembrance of a figure described as a “true Tavistock legend.” 

ABOVE: Players and supporters remember Eric Pinch ahead of Thursday evening's game (Image: Jamie Townsend)

Tavistock began the game positively, with Ryan White looking lively early on and Leighton Thomas seeing a cross narrowly evade him inside the box. 

Joshua Baxter twice tested goalkeeper Adam Forster from distance, while Ellis Aldrich also forced a comfortable save.

The closest the hosts came before the interval arrived in the 37th minute when Thomas had time to set himself on the edge of the area, only to see his effort crash off the top of the crossbar. 

Melksham carried their own threat, Elliot Haffenden broke through early and Owen Howe had a deflected effort, but debutant goalkeeper Thomas Burstow, after Will Howard was recalled by Truro City, was largely untroubled as the sides went in level at the break.

Melksham emerged with greater purpose in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. 

A ball swung into the box was flicked on and fell perfectly for Haffenden, who tapped into an empty net to put the visitors ahead.

Tavistock attempted to respond. Ethan Wright impressed with his work rate in midfield, while Thomas battled well and fired a long-range shot that failed to trouble Melksham keeper Adam Forster. 

A free-kick from Charlie Castlehouse struck the defensive wall, typifying a frustrating night in the final third.

Substitutions injected fresh energy, Sergii Ismail, Jacob Bowker and Owen Lauderdale all entered the fray, and the Lambs enjoyed late pressure. 

Bowker delivered a dangerous cross that almost created an opening, and Oliver Northam forced a corner as Tavistock pushed forward.

Melksham remained dangerous on the counter and went close to doubling their lead with a header wide and a long-range effort over. Tavistock’s best late chance came from a stoppage-time free-kick, but Forster held the ball under pressure.

Deep into added time, the visitors sealed victory. A cross was squared into the area and substitute Levi Irving met it with a powerful left-footed volley high past Burstow to make it 0-2 in the 95th minute.

Despite long spells of possession and several promising moments, including the first-half effort off the bar, Tavistock were unable to convert pressure into goals, while Melksham showed the clinical edge required in a tight relegation contest.

The result leaves the Lambs still searching for points near the foot of the table ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Bishops Cleeve.

Tavistock AFC: Burstow; Wright, Baxter, Watson (c), White, Aldrich, Clark, Northam, Lindsell, Thomas, Castlehouse.

Melksham Town: Forster; Carter, Christopher, Greenland, Hallett, Cooper (c), Thompson, Davis, Howe, Haffenden, Witt.

Goals: Haffenden 53, Irving 95

Attendance: 150

Referee: Shaun Edge