This match was awarded an Away win due to Axminster failing to be able to get a team together.

Match Report: Bovey Tracey 2-1 Liskeard Athletic
FA Vase Qualifying Round 1 – Western Counties Roofing Ground

Bovey Tracey secured their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liskeard Athletic. A dominant first-half display, capped by a Neil Last brace, gave Bovey a strong platform, and despite a spirited second-half response from Liskeard, the home side held firm to progress.

First Half

The game began with Bovey looking composed in possession, testing the Liskeard defense early on. Jesse Howe and Swann linked up in the 9th minute, but the chance was just out of Swann’s reach, allowing the visitors to clear.

Liskeard, largely forced into long-ball play, threatened in the 18th minute with their first meaningful attack. A powerful strike from the right had to be tipped over the bar by Rhys Williams, who showed sharp reflexes to deny the visitors.

Bovey’s breakthrough came in the 30th minute following sustained pressure. Howe’s deflected strike earned a corner, and from Lewis Perring’s pinpoint delivery, Neil Last darted to the back post to glance the ball home. The Liskeard defense looked stunned by the space Last was afforded.

Just eight minutes later, Last produced a moment of brilliance. Capitalizing on a loose ball in midfield, he noticed the Liskeard goalkeeper off his line and unleashed a spectacular lob from 40 yards. The ball clipped the underside of the bar and bounced over the line, sparking wild celebrations among the Bovey faithful.

Bovey entered the break with a well-deserved two-goal lead, having controlled the game for much of the half.

Half-Time: Bovey Tracey 2-0 Liskeard Athletic

Second Half

The visitors came out with renewed energy in the second half, and Bovey had to absorb pressure early on. Despite this, the home side continued to defend resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack.

In the 70th minute, Bovey almost put the game to bed. Howe flicked a throw-in into Perring’s path, and the winger surged down the left before smashing a low drive that clattered off the near post and out of play.

Moments later, Last had another opportunity to extend the lead. Breaking forward on the counter, he drove toward goal but couldn’t generate enough power on his shot under pressure, allowing the goalkeeper to gather comfortably.

Liskeard finally got on the scoresheet in the 77th minute, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration in the Bovey defense. A well-timed run and finish gave the visitors hope, and the game became a nervy affair in the closing stages.

However, Bovey weathered the storm, with James Bolton coming on late to help shore up the midfield. The home side nearly added a third on the break but couldn’t convert their chances.

Full-Time: Bovey Tracey 2-1 Liskeard Athletic

Key Moments:

30’ Neil Last heads Bovey into the lead from a Perring corner
38’ Last doubles his tally with an audacious lob from 40 yards
77’ Liskeard pull one back to set up a tense finish
Verdict:
A classic game of two halves. Bovey’s first-half dominance, highlighted by Last’s incredible second goal, set the tone. While Liskeard rallied after the break and caused problems, Bovey defended with grit and were unlucky not to score again on the counter. The result was a testament to the team’s discipline and determination.

Bovey march on to the next round of the FA Vase!