South Zeal 3 - 1 Cheriton 2nds
Cheriton travelled onto dartmoor with a bare 11 featuring a guest player thanks to various work parties, illnesses, and other reasons. Things were made worse by the fact we were facing undefeated league leaders South Zeal again, and that half of the players who showed up were ill themselves! The pitch was bumpy and was literally a dartmoor peat bog at one end, which made passing difficult. The team really responded the adversity - we pressed Zeal really effectively for the first 10 minutes and forced a few openings. Lee Elson was close to reaching my cut back and was brought down after the resulting corner for a penalty. Dan Hoyland dispatched it perfectly into the corner for his 17th of the season, and only the 2nd goal they have conceded at home all year. The home side equalised fairly quickly when their striker got between our defenders to turn in a low cross. We had our chances too though, the best of them falling to stand in striker Troy, who created his own 1-on-1 with some great pressure, but saw it saved by the keeper.
The second half was hard going playing uphill and with tiring legs against quick and skillful opposition. We hung on but conceded again from a cross and header. The 3rd goal came when a shot was deflected for their Alexander equivalent sub to put into the open goal. Phillip Hargreaves in goal pulled off a couple of outstanding saves and bravely rushed out to claim the ball from their striker.
Everyone gave 100% so it's hard to pick out individuals, but as well as Phil, Lee Elson and Troy up front played brilliantly with not a lot of supply, and the midfield 3 of Cory, Andy, and Jamie Brimblecombe ran themselves into the ground. Well done lads, time to get back to winning ways next week. Congrats to the 1sts for getting the 3 points as well.
