Devon and Exeter six

South Zeal United 4

Ilminster Town 2

SOUTH Zeal fielded a side missing key players in Redd Cann and Ben Davey. Newest signing Ollie Jeffries made his debut on the left wing and there was a welcome return to action for Spencer Stallion.

The game started out with both sides looking strong, matching each other in both defence and attack. Zeal never really looked worried at the back as man of the match Dan Wakeham had a solid performance, cutting out chance after chance. His partnership with Lee Gilbert is looking stronger week by week.

On 35 minutes Zeal produced a fine passing move; Tom Boother passed down the left flank to Ryan Dennis, whose square ball found Tom Reilly, who coolly fired home the opener.

The second half began with Zeal looking dangerous straight from the off, Adam Clark broke through the back line latching onto a long ball from the Zeal defence. His pacy cross was met by Ryan Dennis, who finished emphatically for 2-0.

Harley Cann and George Jeffery were brought into the game and just 30 seconds later the latter rounded the goalkeeper before calmly slotting in at the near post.

Ryan Dennis’ cross was blasted into the Ilminster net by the away side’s defender — the own goal taking the scoreline to 4-0.

United suddenly took their foot off the gas, inviting pressure onto the defensive line and Ilminster took advantage to score two consolation goals.