Tavistock unable to halt Frome as Southern League leaders claim away victory

Frome remained top of the table after an impressive victory at Tavistock, thanks to a brace from Daniel Dodimead and goals from Albie Hopkins and Archie Ferris.

The Lambs came into the clash making one change from the side that were defeated 5–1 at Malvern Town. Forward Ryan White returned to the attack, replacing the unavailable Alfie Clark. Another change to the Lambs squad saw young Stanley Kingdom return to the bench, replacing forward Brad Williams, who joined fellow Devon side Bideford AFC on Friday.

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Moving into the encounter against Frome, it was no surprise that the away league leaders started well. Former Melksham winger Hopkins looked sharp from the first minute, weaving his magic and creating several opportunities in the opening stages. The first big chance fell to Hopkins in the 10th minute. The former Oxford City attacker cut inside from the flank and smashed a powerful effort against the top of the bar, with Jack Arthur beaten. Fortunately for the Lambs, defender Josh Baxter reacted quickest to clear the ball to safety.

Despite remaining on top, the visitors found it difficult to create clear-cut chances thanks to a strong Lambs midfield display, which included Callum Watson, who had an excellent game and was later named man of the match. In the 29th minute, Frome had another opening when a ball from Hopkins slipped Zak Drew in. The former Yate man took one touch before firing over Arthur’s bar.

Six minutes later, a big save from former Okehampton goalkeeper Arthur kept the scores level. A pinpoint cross from Drew was met by the head of former Larkhall forward Ferris, but Arthur clawed the powerful header away for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Arthur punched clear before briefly receiving treatment.

In the 44th minute, the Lambs had their first real chance, with Ben Cross’s cross finding talisman Jack Crago. The former Helston man’s powerful effort was well saved by Robins captain Kyle Phillips. A minute later, the visitors took the lead. A free-kick from George Dowling was poorly cleared, falling to Dodimead, who took a touch before poking the ball under Arthur for his first goal for the Robins.

In first-half stoppage time, the hosts almost doubled their lead when Sam Heal’s cross narrowly missed Harris at the back post. However, in the fourth minute of added time, Frome made it two. Hopkins cut inside once again and struck a shot that took a wicked deflection before flying past the helpless Arthur. The referee soon blew for half-time.

The visitors continued to control the game after the break. In the 53rd minute, Dowling’s powerful volley was expertly saved by Arthur, who was enjoying an excellent afternoon. Six minutes later, Dodimead grabbed his second. Hopkins broke down the flank and squared the ball, which was poorly cleared into Dodimead’s path, allowing him to smash home and make it three.

A double substitution followed for the visitors in the 64th minute, with Theo Llewellyn and Callum Gould replacing Harry Lucas and Dowling. Shortly after, Jacob Bowker was replaced for the Lambs by young Elis Aldrich. Two minutes later, Frome added a fourth as Hopkins’ cross deflected into Ferris, with the ball rolling into the net for his 10th league goal of the season.

Ferris was later replaced by David Duru, while the Lambs continued to search for a consolation. Late chances from Tom Chastey and Crago were both well saved by Phillips.

After a brief period of added time, the referee blew for full time. Frome welcome Exmouth Town to Badgers Hill on Saturday, while Tavistock remain bottom of the table and will look to end their losing run away at Swindon Supermarine.