Devon Senior Cup semi final Lamerton 3 Moretonhampstead 0 LAMERTON moved into the final of Devon's top cup competition with a comprehensive display. Visitors Moretonhampstead brought an impressive number of supporters for the game at Lamerton's Cardwell Park, providing a good and friendly atmosphere. It took only seven minutes for the first goal. Kev Swift, playing off striker Zac Beesley fed his front man on the half way line and Beesley raced away from the defence and confidently put it past the onrushing keeper. Lamerton, as usual, were firm at the back, even against a dangerous front two for Mortonhampstead. Defenders Paul and Simon Breyley, were impenetrable. A tightly contested and intense first half restricted the visitors to long-range efforts, one in particular an excellent free kick just missing the top corner. Lamerton worked hard to keep their lead at the break knowing the conditions would be more favourable after half time. The second half in fact saw the perfect start for Lamerton. Within seconds of the whistle blowing, Rich Searle, pressurising down the left hand side charged down the full back to win the ball and run on goal. He squared a good ball across the box for Beesley who took the shot first time with his left foot, which curled into the corner off the post, giving the keeper no chance. It was a defining moment of quality, which left M'hampstead with a real uphill task. In fact, the visitors responded in deflation rather than exertion and allowed Lamerton to close out the game. Beesley went through again and could have had his hat trick and Swift also faced the keeper in space after an excellent move seeing Beesley square to him, but a horrendous bobble saw the ball float wide. Swift did get his goal with 15 minutes to go. Exchanging passes down the left with Dan Healy, he curled in a delightful shot from the edge of the box with his right foot. It was another impressive display from the Duchy Premier side, which now sees them play North Devon's Combe Martin in the final, to be staged at Bideford in April. Saturday returns to league action, away against Sticker, 2.30pm.
