Football Express Cup

Winkleigh FC 2

South Zeal United 3

WINKLEIGH started this quarter final cup game strongly. The away sides makeshift back line of Ollie Jefferies, Ben Davey, Spencer Stallion and coach Garry Smith stayed strong and kept the home side from taking a lead in the game.

South Zeal had a small spell in the half where they began to press Winkleigh and it was in this period that Ryan Dennis opened the scoring against his old club. Spotting the keeper off his line Ryan sent a long range effort over the helpless keeper for 0-1.

Confident that they could keep their cup run going Zeal made full use of the short spell of dominance taking the score to 0-2, George Jeffery sending a glorious low shot into the net after a neat cut back from Samuel Jones.

With half time approaching Zeal extended their lead to 0-3. Redd Cann marked his long awaited return to the side with a delightful finish from well outside the box, curling the ball high into the right side of the goal.

The second half took its toll on the Zeal players, and forced them to rotate player positions as fitness became a factor for the subless side.

Winkleigh completely dominated the half and were awarded a penalty as Spencer Stallion brought down his man. However the Winkleigh forward could only strike the bar. Winkleigh’s possession turned to goals as they were able to mount a comeback. At 2-3 Winkleigh continued to bombard the Zeal defence who seemily invited the pressure. Former Winkleigh player Matt Dennis made some superb saves to keep the home side ouit. Matt was forced to make save after save and was deservedly made man of the match as Zeal held out.