East Devon 4 Vs Sidmouth B

A gritty encounter played at a high tempo.  Sidmouth used the local knowledge of their pitch and the strong spine to their team to distribute the ball well.  East Devon played some good hockey but too oftern tried to go through experienced defenders. Neverthelss, East shaded a close first half with Ed Farrant and Matthew Shanks both seeing efforts galnce offf the post.

 In the second half, East re-organised under the watchful guise of Simon Thompson and seemed to have the upper hand until, with about ten minutes remaining, Sidmouth scored through East Devon defender, Matt Day - some said it was the best finish he has ever had.  Undeterred by this setback, East fought on.  Matt Day was moved to right wing and delivered a telling cross to the top of the D where the ball was swept into the corner by a combination of Shanks and Sam Gooding, with the skipper giving the goal to Sam.  With three minutes to go, the umpire awarded a short corner.  An injection by Shanks and dead stop by Matt Day brought bad-boy Nathan Sutton into the frey.  Having stated with confidence earlier that he could drag-flick, he certainly owed the team for his earlier green card.  And can he drag flick? Yes.  Top left of goalkeeper. So snugly did it nestle into the top of the goal that the Sidmouth players shouted to leave it.  Even if they had tried to get it they would have failed.

Had the game continued then East would have scored again.

Man of the match Matt Day, for having a hand in all three goals and for his intelligent play in setting up the goal.  Simon Thompson pushed him close with his commanding presence in the back three.  Excellent debut from the committed Nathan Sutton, topped up off by 'that goal'.