League cup

Bere Alston United 4

Plymstock United 1

BERE ALSTON were able to turn their concentration away from the poor start to their league campaign when they entertained Plymstock United in the first round of the League Cup at the Recreation Field.

Bere started nervously and it was their division one opponents, with former Bere player Kevin Bowden pulling the strings in midfield, who took the early initiative.

United had Mark Wheeler to thank for two early saves but it was Plymstock who took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when Mark Burke's free kick eluded everyone and nestled into the back of the net.

Bere slowly began to take a grip on the game and although Jason Cordice, Marcus Pethick and Chris Bray all went close Bere went in one down at the break.

Within five minutes of the restart Bere were level when Marcus Pethick's well struck shot was parried by the Plymstock keeper but Will Westlake was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Bere controlled the remainder of the half but could not find a winner and in the closing minutes Mark Wheeler pulled off another great save to force extra time.

The additional 30 minutes began to take its toll on Plymstock and once Marcus Pethick had given Bere the lead with a rasping drive from 25 yards, there was only going to be one winner.

Mark Wheeler made another good save early in the second period of extra time but Bere increased their lead with Jason Cordice getting on the end of an Aiden James cross to kill the game and book Bere's passage into the next round.

Aiden James capped a fine cameo performance when he fired home Bere's fourth on the stroke of full time that was perhaps a tad harsh on Plymstock.