Tavs good performance was not enough to take anything from the game against Bristol side Rockleaze who boast a 100% record so far. The opening exchanges were fairly frantic but the visitors took the lead after sixteen minutes when the jet heeled Cory Simpson left the Tavs rearguard standing. Tavs stand-in keeper Mark Hallet came out to smother but Simpson was able to nick the ball forward despite them colliding, with Neil Simons able to pass the ball home. Simpson and Hallet were unable to play any further part in the game with Simpson suffering a badly gashed knee and Hallet groggy and missing two front teeth. After a ten minute hold up Rich Kerry donned the keepers gloves and was left helpless five minutes later when Simons shot was deflected past him to leave Tavs facing an uphill battle.

The home side steadied the ship and gradually began to get on top in the second period. Veteran Andy Griffiths became instrumental as the visitors defence struggled to contain him. With twenty minutes remaining a long throw into the box saw Griffiths held but inexplicably the referee deemed the incident happened outside the box with Tavs wasting the resulting free kick. When the same thing happened again five minutes later the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot with Mike Thornton blasting the spot kick home. Two minutes later Thornton had an opportunity but his effort just cleared the crossbar and when Griffiths was pulled to the ground again Tavs appealed but this time play was waved on. Tavs valiant efforts were not enough to turn the game around but they will need to show more of the same as they look to claw themselves away from the foot of the table.

Tavs travel this Saturday to Ellwood KO 3pm