South Devon League Premier Newton Abbot Spurs Res 5 Chagford 1 CHAGFORD'S season seems destined to end in a series of heavy defeats, when they should be looking to consolidate their place near the top of the table. The loss of injured Andrew Davis and Christian Crowther-Smith and others has done much to introduce a dip in confidence, leading to failings on the park. Spurs went ahead in the second minute, through a penalty. In failing to clear his area simply, Botham was caught in possession but was unlucky not to win a free-kick for his attacker, almost hauling him down. The player worked his way into Chagford's box but seemed to go down all too easily, at the next challenge. The resulting penalty was coolly put away. For the next 40 minutes, Chagford played their way back and gradually took control. Spurs were content to knock a long ball forward at every opportunity, in the hope of breaking early. The visitors were rarely troubled by this tactic but Scarry was to make a couple of decent saves, when Spurs did get through. Going forward, Stone and Chadwick began to assert more influence in setting Miller, Whatley and Potter some useful chances. Chagford could count themselves a little unlucky not to draw level before the break. The second half appeared to be a completely different story as Chagford almost failed to show at all. Spurs doubled their lead within seven minutes and went further ahead five minutes later. Steve Brown lasted another few painful minutes but was eventually forced to make way for Woof. The young reserve settled quickly and gave renewed impetus to the team. It was down this channel Chagford were to pull a goal back. Scarry released the ball early to Botham who laid it off to Woof. His pass to Miller looked to be over-hit but the long-legged striker chased it down and squared the ball to allow Whatley the chance to right-foot it home. Joy turned to despair soon after when Johnston was to come off, feeling the effects of an earlier injury and blistered feet. Newton took fresh heart and, as Chagford's back line struggled to organise themselves, struck twice in a minute to dispel any fears of being sucked back into the relegation mire.
