Steven Hill Memorial Cup

Moretonhampstead 2

Chagford 3

CHAGFORD kept their hold on the trophy, following a tense match which could have gone either way.

Although Moretonhampstead took an early lead, Chagford came back to lead at half-time through goals from Chris Woof and Andrew Davis (2).

Moretonhampstead pulled a goal back in the second half but were denied a late equaliser, as Chagford's 'keeper silenced the home crowd by saving an 87th minute penalty.

John Pearce, on behalf of Chagford FC, thanked Moretonhampstead for organising the event and to referee Gary Hammon for services.

Friendly

Liverton Utd 2

Chagford 0

THIS first-team friendly saw a Liverton line-up that consisted mainly of their Peninsula League starters. In contrast, Chagford started without a number of players that won't be available for their first league match at the end of the month.

Liverton were both physically stronger and mentally stronger, allowing their visitors few chances of getting forward in the first period. However, Chagford's defence and midfield did well to contain Liverton to just the two goals especially after Robin Crowther-Smith hobbled off after 11 minutes. The first goal came on 32 minutes from a Liverton corner that was headed in powerfully.

The second, just before half-time, was a speculative 20 yard shot that eluded Endacott's grasp.

Chagford's best play was when they held the ball and passed with care instead of trying to push forward every time.

The second half was littered with chances but saw Chagford able to create more opportunites with de Cruz adding width on their right flank and Christian Crowther-Smith found more space on the left side, in taking over from Gurney who had been having constantly to work back.

Though the home forwards were now held to quick breaks, they were well contained by Chagford's less pressured defenders. Had the visitors' finishing been more composed they would have earned some reward from their possession and play.

Friendly

Liverton Utd Res 1

Chagford Res 2

FOLLOWING a brave display at Bovey Tracey Reserves, Chagford built on that experience and came away with their first win of the pre-season. Two goals to the good, before half-time, the visitors coped with second half changes admirably.

The first goal came on 15 minutes as Gary Mortimore latched onto a through ball but saw the home 'keeper save his initial shot. Picking up the rebound, Mortimore evaded a clumsy challenge and calmly slotted the ball in. Jon Philpott was able to send in some decent first half crosses for Chagford and it was from one of these Dale Chadwick headed in their second, on 35 minutes.

Throughout the half, Chagford controlled the game and could have put the match well beyond Liverton's reach before the break.

A flurry of changes and a couple of injuries to Chagford players allowed Liverton to get back into the game with a goal from a quickly taken free-kick.

The home side took heart and continued to push forward but met a resolute defence, that was in no mood to give ground.

A late penalty award could have given breathing space for the visitors but Philpott saw his shot saved.

Friendly

Millwey Rise Reserves 5

Chagford Reserves 3

CHAGFORD braved the elements in making the long trip to Axminster but failed to do themselves justice on the day.

Playing down a sloping pitch, with the winds at their backs they fell behind as early as 43 seconds into the game.

Deputising 'keeper, Chris Ralph, was deceived by a lobbed ball that held up in the wind and dropped into the net. The wake up call worked as Chagford settled in and started to move the ball around.

The final pass seemed to go astray all too often though Oliver and Mortimore for Chagford worked hard to retrieve and retain possession. It was a foul on the latter that led to Stuart Potter coolly stroking home the resultant penalty kick on 15 minutes.

Millwey then came back to take a two goal lead before the break thanks to some disjointed Chagford defending and gaps in the midfield, that allowed the home side too much time on the ball. Haxton, who had been a willing outlet on the left flank, fell to injury on the stroke of half-time and took no further part in the match.

A fourth Millwey goal, just seven minutes after the restart, looked to be the killer punch but Chagford again rose to play some decent football.

Full-back Jon Philpott pressed forward more, linking well with the midfield and Haxton's replacement, Will Cork, became as adventurous.

In the 65 minute, Philpott rose to nod in Ralph's corner and lifted Chagford spirits.

The visitors still had to contend with their hosts' quick breaks and, at times, looked shaky. Consequently, Millwey poached another goal due to sloppy defence to settle their own nerves.

However Chagford's Cork continued to probe Millwey's right flank and was suitably rewarded by battling through for the visitors' third goal, 15 minutes from time.

As the clock ran down Chagford looked the stronger but lacking the penetration to haul themselves level.