Devon and Exeter seven

South Zeal 3

Offwell Rangers 0

WITH the first of a run of four straight home games for South Zeal's manager Stuart Cann was confident of extending the teams unbeaten run in the league.

On a blustery day at the Recreation Ground, Zeal started down the slope, wind behind but it did not bring instant rewards as Offwell were clearly not being intimidated and started the game in a strong fashion, dominating the midfield battle and putting pressure on the home back four.

However, as the game went on, South Zeal began to make ground down the wings, with Ryan Dennis and Adam Clark, using their pace and agility to get in behind the Offwell fullbacks. This approach bore fruit after 25 minutes, when Ryan Dennis pounced to put Zeal into the lead. This scoreline remained until the half time whistle, with Redd Cann and Matty Dennis now controlling the midfield war zone.

The second half started in an equally competitive manner, with both teams concious of the fact that the next score would be crucial in the game's outcome.

Offwell were strong and bullish in the midfield battle, but this was of no match for Cann and Dennis. Harley Cann soon ghosted through the Offwell centre halves channel, only to be fouled by the keeper in the area, leading to a penalty. Man of the match Redd Cann stepped up and smashed the ball low into the bottom left hand corner. Offwell would still not admit defeat and piled on the pressure, but the Zeal back four was solid and impenetrable.

All the Offwell pressure only served to open the game up, with Darren Gilbert fluffing a guilt edged chance with ten minutes remaining. However, captain Harley Cann came to the fore at the critical moment netting Zeal's third with only minutes remaining. South Zeal remain unbeaten in the league this season. The support was superb and appreciated by the club players and staff alike.'