SDFL Premier Division
Salcombe Town 4 East Allington 5
Salcombe faced a tough challenge in their first ever premier game against local rivals East Allington, a side wildly tipped to be challenging for this seasons title. In the event the points did go to East Allington ,but only after a nine goal thriller where the result was in doubt right until the final whistle. Town manager, Nick Bonnet, was able to name a strong squad giving debuts to new signings Ziggy and Ben Tapper who coincidentally were lining up against their two brothers in the opposition team. In front of a good crowd at Malborough Town were given a harsh introduction to premier league football when East Allington took the lead after only three minutes James Batchelor beating a hesitant Salcombe defence to turn in a James Ivatts cross from close range. Salcombe were struggling to cope with East Allington’s pace and organisation and it looked only a matter of time before the second goal came. Town were creating few chances , the best being a wind assisted Kieran Stallard free kick, which was turned away for a corner. Salcombe gradually began to get themselves back into the game and a fine solo goal from Ashley Yeoman in the 22nd minute saw then draw level . Five minutes later though Allington were back in front, Finn Bullen netting a snap shot in off the bar. In the 34th minute Town won a free kick in a dangerous position however possession was lost and in an swift counter attack Scott Piper finished at the far post to give East Allington a two goal advantage at the break. Playing into the wind in the second half Salcombe knew they were in for a tough 45 minutes and would have to up the effort to get themselves back into the game. Ten minutes in the effort paid off when Yeoman rode a couple of tackles to reduce the deficit. Straight from the kick off though Andy King broke down the wing and Bullen was in the right place to restore The Pirates two goal advantage. With their opponents seemingly able to play through the Town defence at will a reorganisation was needed ,Ryan Colmer coming on in a switch to 4-4-2 with Yeoman dropping into midfield. With things now tighter at the pack Salcombe began to look more dangerous and Colmer’s introduction paid dividends when he pulled a goal back in the 66th minute. Salcombe were now on top and five minutes later had the chance to draw level when Barnes was brought down in the area, getting up to take the penalty himself he beat Richard Teague with power to the delight of the home support. It was anyone’s game now with Barnes having a good shout for another penalty turned down. East Allington had the final word however with Ivatts powerfully heading in a free kick to clinch the points. Despite the result Town can take heart from an excellent second half performance against a strong team which should give them confidence for the coming season. This Saturday Salcombe travel to face Newton 66 whilst East Allington are also away at Buckfastleigh Rangers, both games kicking off at 2.30
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