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Bere Alston United 3

NOT even the persistent rain could spoil the occasion as Bere Alston United completed their pre-season programme with the visit of a Plymouth Argyle XI to the Recreation Field on Saturday.

As expected Argyle fielded a very young side, but proceeded to play some neat pass and move football which is a testament to their much improved Youth Development programme.

Bere's hard work in preparation for the game was rewarded, as, despite the weather, the pitch was in immaculate condition and Bere too played some incisive football in the driving rain.

The first 40 minutes was evenly contested with Craig Howells pulling off three fine saves and Bere themselves going close from a long range effort by Darren Smalley and set piece headers from Jason Clancy and Will Westlake.

However, towards the end of the first half, Bere's greater physical strength began to show and they scored two goals in quick succession from Mark Wheeler and Dan Follett, both supplied driven crosses by the impressive Darren Smalley.

Bere made it 3-0 five minutes into the second half with an unerring finish from Will Westlake who collected a pass from Darren Smalley and unleashed a 25 yarder into the top corner.

To their credit the young Argyle side continued to play some neat football and were rewarded when a driven cross from Lewis Young was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Nathan Harvey.

As the rain continued to pour, both sides had chances to increase the score, but with five minutes to go Argyle, having been awarded a penalty, were unlucky to see Ray Spear's effort superbly saved by Tony Rawlings, who had earlier replaced Craig Howells in goal.

It finished 3-1 to Bere Alston with both sides being commended for playing the game in the right manner in trying conditions.

Bere Alston manager Kevin Taylor thanked Gordon Bennett, Chris Souness and the Argyle lads for an entertaining afternoon's football and hope to se the 'Greens' return to Bere Alston for a third time next year.

Credit must also go to the Bere Alston ground staff for their work on the playing surface throughout the summer which meant that the pitch was in tip top conditions despite the atrocious weather conditions.