Pinhoe 4
South Zeal Utd 2
THIS was the best performance that South Zeal have produced for several matches as they went down to top of the table Pinhoe in a close match on Saturday.
Pinhoe were dangerous from the start as their mobile forwards tested the Zeal defence.
As the half progressed the Zeal forwards started to expose the home side and after going close on several occassions a corner taken by Redd Cann was converted from close range by brother Harley to put the visitors one up.
Pinhoe equalised 15 minutes later when a through ball beat the Zeal defence and Lee Gilbert's challenge up ended one of Pinoes's strikers in the penalty area and the resulting spot kick made the score 1-1.
South Zeal started the second half well and went 2-1 up when the industrious Darren Prouse hit a great ball out to Redd Cann who progressed into the penalty area and his low cross found Darren Prouse at the far post who finished with a low shot from 10 yards.
It looked as if Zeal would increase their lead but efforts from Scott Hooper and Phil Evans were cleared off the line and it was against the run of play when Pinhoe equalised after a header at the far post just crept under the bar.
Pinhoe then put on the pressure and scored twice from close range to take a two goal lead however, Zeal kept pressing forward and were unlucky not to reduce the deficite as they went close on several occassions in the last 10 minutes.
n This week South Zeal United are at home to Countess Wear, kick-off 2.15pm.