Football Express Cup

second round

Mitre Utd 2

Folly Gate 4 (aet)

FOLLY's train was a bit late leaving the station as they got off to a slow start.

On the half-hour, however, it was Steve Dennis who provided a platform with a well placed shot from outside the area after a lay-off from his brother, Andy.

A mix-up in defence saw Mitre level, crossing their fingers as the ball rolled over the line.

Folly's only other chance came from a header again with the Dennis combination. Andy's effort from Steve's corner headed clear when it looked sure to go in.

The second half was still a struggle and although there was evidence of a desire to be more attacking Folly still played too deep and a defensive blunder saw them behind, Andy Kerse in goal was in no way to blame, indeed he continued to control his side well.

Martin Brint was introduced to the fray and although some way short of match fitness his ability to indulge in short passing and play with intelligence helped his side create more chances.

With the defence again caught napping Shane Leahy dashed the width of the pitch with a siding tackle that was almost timed to perfection, a goal a certainty had the attacker's legs not been removed from proceedings. The referee decided a genuine attempt had been made to play the ball so the Folly player stayed on the pitch. The resulting penalty struck the post and the rebound was cleared.

With five minutes remaining Andy Dennis tried his luck with a low drive which the keeper fumbled, the match then going into extra time. The striker then added to his tally as an attempted clearance from a Mitre defender went high in the air dropping between his bemused keeper and the goal, Dennis scoring amid the confusion

In the second period of extra time, Tim Shaw stuck to his task and was rewarded when he ignored the advice of his defenders to 'head for the corner' and struck a sweet shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

This week Folly are home to Seaton Town in the League.

l The club sends best wishes to Andy and Maggie Dennis on the birth of their first child, Thomas George.

South Zeal Utd 2

Westexe 1(aet)

THIS was the third meeting of these two teams within a five week period and Zeal, who won in the previous two encounters, were confident this Football Express Club fixture would go the same way.

However, due to poor passing and the inability to keep possession Zeal struggled to dominate even though they were the stronger side.

After an opening 20 minutes where Zeal missed several good chances the visitors broke down the left and a cross was converted with a good header from close range.

Zeal stopped playing the football they are capable of and tried hitting long balls that were swallowed up by the Westexe defence.

In the second half Zeal's football improved and a deserved equaliser came when Alan Brimacombe was put through into the penalty area. He finished well by rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Zeal put the pressure on to try and win in 90 minutes but Westexe held out taking the match into extra time.

Kicking down the slope in the first period of extra time, Zeal were dominant and took the lead when Harley Cann, who was having a good game, converted well from close range.

Zeal had several good chances to go further ahead but were happy to hold on to a one-goal advantage as the visitors pressed for the equaliser — it nearly came a minute from time but Adam Cann in the Zeal goal made a great one-handed save to put Zeal into the next round.

This Saturday, Okehampton away, kick-off 3pm.

Team: Adam Cann, Reg Wonnacott, Tim Saunderson, Henry Bellairs, Roger White, Alan Brimacombe, David Wooldridge, Garry Smith, Harley Cann, Shaun Hiscock, Alan Vile, Leon Ware, Simon Jones.