East Cornwal Palladium League division 1 Tavistock 0 Bere Alston Utd 1 HAVING lost their previous game to St Blazey, Bere went into this local derby knowing that they couldn't afford any more slip ups in their promotion push and that if they could win their last five games, they would also go up as champions. Bere were also chasing a 100% record against their West Devon rivals having already beaten Tavistock on three previous occasions in league and cup this season. The visitors were at full strength and Tavistock included several first teamers, such as goalkeeper Andy Meads, Mike Arscott, Sam Chitty and striker Glyn Hobbs. However, spurred on by the Bere Barmy Army, that had swelled the attendance to an impressive 175, Bere set about their task more determined than at any other time so far this season. Tavistock, with Glyn Hobbs and Paul Cowling both looking sharp, set the early pace, but Bere always looked lively on the break and from one such counter attack took a 1-0 lead courtesy of a close range finish from Dan Follett after good work in the build up by Lee Beer and Will Westlake. Tavistock responded with Glyn Hobbs twice going close and forcing good saves from Craig Howells as Bere took their lead into the break. Bere knew that they would face a second half onslaught but with their defence holding firm and Craig Howells in inspired form, they were always likely to catch Tavistock on the break and despite defending for long periods, Bere could easily have nicked that vital second goal that would have made the game safe. However, as legs grew tired in the final ten minutes it was backs to the wall for Bere but each team player dug in to ensure the 1-0 win and an impressive four wins out of four against their more illustrious opponents. This victory was a clear case of Bere's team ethic, work rate and sheer commitment. Man of match: Craig Howells. ECPL Division 1 Bere Alston Utd 3 Polperro 0 After the euphoria of beating local rivals Tavistock in midweek, Bere manager Kevin Taylor warned his players of complacency against a useful Polperro side that had risen to fourth place in the league. Polperro only turned up with ten men and Bere quickly set about making the extra man count. With Lee Beer, Lee Blatchford and Will Westlake taking immediate control of midfield, Bere played some neat pass and move football and took an early 1-0 lead, when, after a good run and cross from Lee Beer, Dan Follett was on hand to force the ball home at the far post. Bere continued in the ascendancy until half time, going close to increasing their lead on several occasions, but at 1-0 Polperro were still in the game and were proving themselves lively on the break. In the second half Bere couldn't seem to find that second goal that would make the game safe and Polperro seemed to grow in confidence and create one or two chances of their own that caused Craig Howells into making two fine saves. Then after a spell of Polperro pressure Bere broke and James Crawford set up Lee Blatchford, who despatched the ball into the Polperro net with aplomb. With the game now safe, Bere added a third when James Crawford this time sent Will Westlake clear to finish with a low right foot drive. Bere know, that if they can win their last three games, including a trip to St Stephen, the title will be theirs. Man of match: Lee Beer.
