Devon and Exeter division three

Chagford 4

Cheriton Fitzpaine 1

IN an ill-tempered contest Chagford eventually emerged victorious.

The Cherries took the lead midway through the first half, when Rich pounced on Penberthy's parry and rammed the ball home from close range. From that point, Chagford faced an uphill task that took nearly the rest of the half for them to surmount. Stone hit the bar with an exquisite free-kick just before Robbie Miller's well placed penalty restored parity in the 42nd minute.

In past matches the hosts have been guilty of slow starts, often conceding early in the second half. An early corner put paid to any fears, when Will Hutchison stormed in to volley home from 12 yards out. This heralded Chagford's control of the game and increasing frustration from Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Adam White gleefully drove the ball from Davis's low cross on 55 minutes, before Euan Stone's cross come shot eluded everybody, the ball nestling in the net for a well deserved goal. The Cherries' belligerence then forced the referee to dish out punishment, as time ran out on a dour and unnecessary note.

Devon and Exeter seven

Cheriton Fitzpaine Reserves 3

Chagford Reserves 1

CHAGFORD Reserves could not emulate their higher division colleagues in a match that ended their short undefeated run. Jamie Mallett scored for the visitors but it was to be a mere consolation, on a disappointing day.