Devon and Exeter six

Stoke Hill 0

South Zeal United 4

THE away side went in search of their fifth straight league win taking just a bare 11 players.

Both sides started slowly and were unable to produce any real quality scoring opportunities, on a large pitch. South Zeal were sloppy in possession and rushed play. It took almost the entire first half for them to settle and play the passing football.

With 35 minutes played Zeal finally broke the deadlock, Jack Davey sending a corner into the six yard box, which was met by Adam Clark to give Zeal a lead at half time.

In the second half Zeal began to create some glorious scoring chances before Cann did find the net, when a fine corner routine was unchallenged by the Stoke Hill defence and Cann was able to fire a header into the roof of the net for 0-2.

Tom Reilly had yet another fine match at centre back, leading his back line of Spencer Stallion and Adam Woolnough. It was Reilly who got the third of the match, getting on the end of an Adam Clark Corner to poke home and extend the lead. Zeal saved their best for the last play of the match. Luke Jefferies sent a long corner over to the far end of the 18 yard box; the ball was met by man of the match Ryan Dennis, who struck the sweetest of left footed volleys into the far right top corner of the goal.

Devon and Exeter six

Newton St Cyres 4

South Zeal United 6

THE game got off to a flyer as three goals were scored inside the first five minutes.

Newton St Cyres capitalised on Zeal’s lack of organisation at the back and simply walked through before the home side striker calmly finished past the helpless Matt Dennis in the Zeal goal.

A instant response from Zeal from the kick off drew them level at 1 a piece, Harley Cann scoring his first of the game after beating his man for pace and poking the ball home. However, Newton scored another soon after in almost identical fashion to their first goal, then later adding another to give them a cushion at 3-1.

A sloppy tackle from the Cyres back line gave Zeal a freekick in a dangerous position. Harley Cann stepped up and sent a perfectly placed strike into the right hand side of the net j to make it 3-2. With half time approaching Zeal were level, when Harley Cann send a cutting pass into the path of strike partner Adam Clark who rounded the keeper and bundled the ball home under the challenge of Newton centre back.

On the stroke of half time Zeal were awarded the chance of taking the lead as Harley Cann was felled in the box, handing the away side a penalty. Adam Clark stepped up, only to have his poorly placed strike saved by the home goalkeeper.

The introduction of Spencer Stallion for the second half saw Zeal make a reshuffle of positions. Jack Davey who gave a strong performance pushed up to partner Cann up front. Clark and Samuel Jones formed a strong partnership in centre midfield and helped compose the Zeal back line.

Tom Boother had yet another superb performance at left back, working hard both defensively and when pushing forward. Linking up with the wide men Luke Jefferies and Ryan Dennis.

Zeal were awarded a free kick on the halfway line early in the half, Ben Davey sent a perfect ball into Adam Clark who flicked his header into the path of Harley Cann. Cann completed his hat trick by heading the ball over the out rushing keeper.

Zeal had the lead for the first time in the match but it lasted a mere few minutes as once again Cyres found a way to score taking the score to 4-4.

Man of the match Tom Reilly continued to dominated the aerial battle and calmly set Zeal on the attack passing his way out from the back. Zeal began to dominate possession and create scoring chances, A quick throw down the right flank was met by Clark hit a volley back at goal from a tight angle, only to see the keeper spill the ball under his body giving Zeal a 5-4 lead.

Luke Jefferies and Jack Davey linked up with Harley Cann to break through on goal, only to be once again brought down by the Cyres keeper. Harley himself this time got up to take the penalty, making no mistake he sent the keeper the wrong way to give Zeal the cushion at 6-4.