Town off to winning start

Saturday 9th August. Attendance: 476

Frome Town 3-0 Tavistock

Three goals from Hopkins, Drew and Ferris caused a perfect season opener for manager Danny Greaves and Frome.

The Robins came into this fixture without playing for 14 days. A defeat to National League South side, Chippenham, in a friendly meant that confidence could have been a key factor in the affair. It was something that the Robins needed more of, which was one of the factors in their fate last season.

Three debutants in the starting 11 were chosen by Greaves, including Duru, Llewelyn and Harry Lucas, who made their first starts in red and white. Furthermore, it was the 11th season in Frome for captain, Sam Teale. The 32-year-old was playing in a more attacking role, looking to help with the attacking threat this season, which ultimately gave him an assist in the final goal of this affair.

It was a positive start to the game with the hosts gaining full control within the first few minutes. Drew had a chance to break the deadlock early on. The No.10, on the right-hand side, took aim, but it seems he scuffed his effort, resulting in the shot passing wide of the post.

Duru was in full confidence throughout. It was clear to see for the fans as well, with an ambitious bicycle kick attempt. Despite his effort not being remotely close to the ball, the fans applauded his effort.

Plenty of momentum heading Frome’s way which resulted in their first goal of the afternoon, coming from Albie Hopkins. The local boy was frustrated with the lack of options at his disposal. He found there wasn’t anything better to do than take aim from 30 yards out. Even he was shocked that his strike rippled into the top right corner. A worthy goal of the season contender in the season opener!

A strong first 45 minutes for the Robins as they took their 1-0 lead into the break, a dominant first half with no real thread coming from the Lambs attack.

Duru, No.16 , ad the first major chance of the second half. His effort from close range cannoned off the crossbar, the Nigerian was so close to scoring on his debut start at Badgers Hill; on another day, he could’ve scored two or three in that 90-minute affair.

Just a couple of minutes later, the second of the game was converted, by Archie Ferris. The cross was whipped in on the left flank, which was met by No.9’s head into the roof of the net.

These five minutes of play from Frome were pure domination. It also led to the third and final goal of the afternoon. Captain Sam Teale ran past his man on the left-hand side and drove the ball into the box that found Zac Drew. The winger had full composure and took his time with his goal. The former Yate winger brushed past his man, giving him a clear vision of the goal, smashing home his first of the season.

The full-time whistle was blown by Craig Scriven with three points under Danny Greaves’ belt. A convincing victory at Badgers Hill, being the first time Frome have dominated the full 90 minutes since Plymouth Parkway in December. The Robins travel to Southwest, Hampshire twice in 11 days, with the first affair being in league action on Tuesday night under the lights, with the second tie being cup action on the 23rd August.