It took a late Tor Swann penalty for Exmouth gain all three points at the Complete Infrastructure Stadium, as they beat a resilient Tavistock side 1-0.

The former Tiverton striker, who signed on Tuesday, stepped up to take the spot-kick, after Aarron Denny was brought down by Josh Oak, with just two minutes of normal time left.

Tavistock were tough to break down throughout, and if not for the penalty, it was a game likely to end goalless.

It was a quiet start to the afternoon, with Tavistock setting out in a low block, aiming to keep the hosts at bay.

This would set them up well to catch Exmouth on the break, as they did when Brooklyn Wilkins’ blocked shot, looked destined to find Max Edgecombe, but Liam Prynn’s interception saw his header go over.

Town would have a good chance from a corner, and it would take an important block on the line to stop Mike Landricombe’s header from opening the scoring.

Set pieces remained Exmouth’s biggest threat, as Karl Riddell would have a corner fall to his feet, but the volley was wide of the mark.

The host’s best chance of the first half came through a lovely through ball from Ben Griffith, and he played in Ben Steer, but the former Tavistock man could not poke the ball past Josh Oak.

Steer would continue to apply pressure on the goalkeeper, as a cross had him pedalling backwards to tip over the bar.

From that following corner, Ollie Knowles would pick up the clearance, and play a deep cross into the box, which found an unmarked Louis Morison, but his header was wide.

Knowles would have one more effort before half time, forcing Oak into another good stop.

The second half started much like the first, with Town struggling to break down the strong defence of the Lambs.

It was the visitors who perhaps should have taken the lead, when a cross found an unmarked Liam Prynn, whose overhead kick struck the post.

Swann was an early second half change, and he came close on to scoring, as Steer found him with a low cross, but the visitors recovered well to deny him.

Tavistock would have a free-kick in a good area, but Jacob Bowker’s effort was easy for Frankie Phillips.

Ace High and Morison would have efforts on goal, but as frustration grew, it looked more and more unlikely that they were going to find the back of the net.

Much to the relief of the home faithful, the breakthrough finally came after a long ball set Denny through, and he was brought down by Oak, with the referee pointing to the spot.

Up stepped the debutant Swann, and he made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and the ball into the bottom left corner.

With seven minutes added on, Town were able to see out the game, and earn a much-needed home three points.

It is a quick turnaround for Exmouth, who remain at home on Wednesday, when they welcome Cinderford (7:45pm KO).

ATTENDANCE: 279

LINE-UP: Phillips, Belsten, Riddell (Slater, 73), Morison, Landricombe, Knowles, Shipton (Swann, 54), Denny, Griffith (McCue, 69), Steer, Bath (High, 69).