Devon and Exeter Seven

Spreyton FC 6

Amory Green Rovers 3

A NEW football team, Spreyton Football Club, has been established in the village by local football enthusiast, Matthew Baker.

The team played its very first game in the Devon and Exeter League division seven on Saturday, August 26 and came away with a 6-3 win against Tiverton side Amory Green Rovers.

Matt, the club chairman, came up with the idea of establishing the first Spreyton football team just four months ago and has received great support from the village and the Village Trust.

The trust converted rooms at the hall into changing rooms and also installed showers and is in the process of having a referee’s changing room and storage facilities. The team has also received some anonymous donations of money.

The Village Trust has a football pitch at the rear of Spreyton Village Hall and it has offered this facility for the club.

Unfortunately, the pitch is slightly narrow but the neighbouring farmer, Viv Bennett, has kindly agreed that, in the future, the pitch could be widened by the removal of a hedge and using part of his field.

The team, managed by Mark Baitup, kicked-off to a great start with a splendid victory over Amory Green Rovers.

Playing in red and white, the Spreyton team were quick off the mark with Liam Ward scoring the goal in the fourth minute from a lovely cross by Tyler Cole.

Shortly after Matt Baker was in a similar situation and pounced on a shot from Liam Ward, slipping it past the ‘keeper.

Matt said: ‘From then on it was the Charlie Caddy show, hitting back an absolute peach from 20 yards lofting it over the ‘keeper, we went in to the break 3-1 up.

‘Shortly after the break we made it incredibly hard, going close with Amory and they clawed back another goal and Amory missed a penalty to equalise.

Charlie Caddy again superbly slotted the ball home to make it 4-2 and from then on the game got a lot more tense.

‘Amory sneaked back another goal but that didn’t stop Spreyton.

‘Charlie grabbed the ball and smashed it from 30 yards out into the top corner similar to the first half.

‘The game was ours for the taking from then onwards and Metters put through a lovely ball to Chris Down who had a one-on-one with the ’keeper, with a save made. Kieran Statton followed up to complete the 6-3 win and three points.’

Matt concluded: ‘It was a superb effort from the supporters and players today. Thank you to everyone that supported us and brought cake and refreshments.’