Devon and Exeter five

South Zeal 6

Winchester 3

SATURDAY’s meeting was the ninth between the two sides in just three seasons — Winchester winning eight of those, suggested Zeal were in for a tough afternoon at the Recreation Ground.

The return of Harley Cann to the home side as well as the re-signing of Tom Riley had Zeal buzzing with excitement.

South Zeal (pictured in yellow and blue) started well and looked comfortable for the first 15 minutes. A lack of communication in the box, however, handed the visiting Winchester the early lead.

Almost immediately Zeal were back in the game, winning a throw in high-up the pitch they utilised the ‘Rory Delap’ style throw of Jack Davey; Harley Cann flicking a header past the keeper for his first and the equaliser.

Moments later the exact same routine played out only this time Adam Clark made the header from another Jack Davey throw for 2-1. Winchester created a rare opportunity and were able to equalise when the away midfielder hit a thunderous strike low and hard into the bottom corner leaving keeper James Williams no chance.  

Winchester learnt nothing from Zeals first two goals and allowed Jack to complete his hat trick of assists when he launched another throw into the box for Cann to bag his second of the game and restore the home side’s lead.

With half time approaching a superb attack from the back line to the front ended when Clark was hacked down in the box, handing United a penalty. Clark stepped up for his second and a 4-2 lead at the break.

The second half was a more scrappy affair. The home back line of Lee Gilbert, Tom Riley, Ben Davey and Ollie Jefferies were much busier as Winchester pressed to get something from the game. Winchester’s frustrations grew further as the midfielders Samuel Jones, James Anderson, Jack Davey and Ryan Dennis continued to pressure and hassle the away side off the ball. This led to bookings for Winchester as they lashed out.

The best goal of the game came when Tom Rileys long pass was brought down by Harley Cann; his long one- two with Clark split the defence and saw him coast in and slot past the keeper for his hat-trick and cementing him as man of the match.

Winchester struck a third but Samuel Jones killed the game with a superb individual run and finish to kill the game.