Pre Season Friendly
Wednesday 12th July 2023
Langsford Park 7.00pm kick off
Attendance: 512
Admission: £10 & £6 concessions
Fixture Profile: Not too often we get quality sides down the South West for the Pre Season Friendly pantomime these days, when it occurs most the visitors are managed by Neil Warnock. So was the case for Huddersfield Town of The Championship taking centre stage, Neils latest work in progress. The Terriers had already won 9 nil earlier in the week at Bodmin Town & have another tour game this coming Saturday at Liskeard Athletics Lux Park ground.
On paper, Tavistock, who play in the Southern League Division 1 South, should be the toughest opponents for Huddersfield. Going off what went off in this game, Tavistock can be very proud of their performance.
Location: Tavistock is an attractive South Devon market town, it nestles amidst lovely countryside between the bustle of Plymouth and the glory of wildest Dartmoor. Langsford Park is along a tree lined lane, Crowndale Road, it's adjacent to the large local college: PL19 8JR.
Weather: A dry mild evening for the most part, perfect for football, all complimented by an excellent looking playing surface. The only blip was getting wet-through after the game as I made my way back to the town centre.
The Crowd: A good turnout locally, plus, considering the excessive distance and the fact it was a pre season friendly, a significant percentage of the crowd were in Huddersfield Town shirts (the classic blue & white stripe ones, not the slightly contentious new away kit number which seems to be a mix of electric yellow and sour lime colour). It was a laid back friendly atmosphere with plenty of punters enjoying pitch side ale and good humour.
Ground Features: Accessible on three sides, one end with countryside beyond is no-entry. The main red brick clubhouse looms over the pitch with a couple of flat pack seated stands either side of the tunnel. Along the same touchline reside snack bar facilities and a club shop. Toilets are at the far end of the red brick clubhouse.
The opposite touchline has shallow grass banking and a small shelter type structure by the half way line, its named The Les Symons Memorial Stand.
Entry is by turnstile at the bus garage end of the ground. Again, there is a shallow grass bank here. There is a bar in the small parking area at this end of the ground.
Match Summary: Personally I found the first half a little scrappy, the usual early pre-season hustle, bustle and leg stretching. Perhaps the most interesting part was watching Neil Warnock & his Assistant Manager Ronnie Jepson take up their positions across the pitch. Neither side created much.
Second half witnessed a much more dominant Huddersfield lay siege to the Tavistock end. There was plenty of classy approach play but little end product finishing wise. Yes, the numerous chances went begging as the pressure grew but it has to be mentioned, Tavistock defended superbly, they endlessly found the spirit and determination to snuff out everything Mr Warnocks side threw at them.
No wonder Tavistock looked pleased with themselves at the final whistle. A tremendous result for them and a real confidence booster for the campaign ahead. Be interesting to see how Neil has this Huddersfield squad geared up for Liskeard on Saturday, he certainly won't want another debatable result this early in proceedings.
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