East Cornwall Palladium League division one St Columb Major 1 Bere Alston United 5 BERE Alston scored five for the second consecutive week in an overall impressive display that keeps alive their hopes of winning the title. Bere went into the game knowing that with the top two playing each other, and with either or both sure to drop points, a win against St Columb Major would put them right in the thick of the race for the championship. With that incentive in mind, Bere started strongly and were ahead in only three minutes. A good move down the right ended with Ross Hann finding Zac Beesley unmarked in the box and Beesley coolly finished from close range. Bere continued in the ascendancy but failed to increase their lead, and to their credit St Columb clawed their way back into the game and deservedly drew level with a fine header after good work and cross from their left winger. Going into the break at 1-1 Bere knew they were in a game, but after a few choice words from manager Kevin Taylor, the second half was pretty much one way traffic. Bere regained the lead within five minutes of the restart with a smart finish at the far post from Dan Follett after a brilliant run and cross from James Crawford, and Follett then raced clear of the St Columb defence to slot home his second and Bere's third. The best goal of the game was a solo effort from all of 25 yards from young Lee Dare who was making his first full appearance for the club. He had an outstanding match alongside captain Will Westlake in central midfield. With five minutes to go and the game already won Dan Follett still had the persistence to chase down a loose back pass and round the St Columb keeper to add a fifth and complete his hat trick. Bere's delight at picking up the three points was further enhanced upon hearing that local rivals and previous league leaders Tavistock had lost and Bere now sit comfortably in third place, only three points behind new leaders St Stephen but with two games in hand. Man of the match: Dan Follett.
