Devon and Exeter division one

Chagford 1

Halwill 1

FOLLOWING their emphatic win at Halwill earlier in the season, Chagford may have thought they would be on course to pick up their first league 'double' of the season.

However, no-one read the visitors the script and they left the Memorial Ground unfortunate to have not won.

From the first whistle, Chagford looked out of sorts and struggled to play the neat, controlled passing game they are so capable of this season; when they did so, the hosts squandered a couple of good chances.

Halwill were easily a match for the home side but without being too penetrating. Their best chance was excellently saved by Luscombe in the home goal and a free-kick attempt from Barkwell cannoned off the crossbar later on. Mortimer and Pitts fired decent chances over the Halwill bar, the former and Scott also had other opportunities well saved by Phil Wonnacott.

Wonnacott was in action again, early in the second half, tipping over Emanuel's driven shot. When Scott fired over went clean through again, the fates seemed to be against Chagford.

More hesitancy in the home defence allowed Williams to bustle his way between defender and goalkeeper, the forward calmly lofting the ball over the retreating Luscombe. This blow, midway through the half, seemed to sap the strength from Chagford and they briefly tottered on the brink of conceding further goals.

The substitution by Chagford of de Cruz by Kinsey had given a little more forward momentum and Gavillet came on to stiffen up the midfield quite successfully. Good crosses were coming in from either of Chagford's flank and hopes started to rise somewhat.

It would take something exceptional to break down Halwill's defence and, with time running out, another opportunity arose.

Emanuel, who had been a thorn in Halwill's side all through the half, was brought down on the edge of the visitors' box and Steve Scott strode forward to take control of the free-kick.

Although Wonnacott got a strong touch to the ball, nothing was going to prevent a superbly placed shot flying in at the top corner.

n Chagford are away to Sidbury United on Saturday. Chagford Reserves, whose match had been frozen off, entertain UaU Exeter. Both matches kick-off at 3pm.