Winkleigh 2 South Zeal United 3 ZEAL started the match with a strong wind in their favour and soon put the home side under pressure with Harley Cann and Luke Honeychurch both going close in the first 10 minutes. Zeal took the lead after 15 minutes when Luke Honeychurch stole in from the left to convert a cross shot from Harley Cann but then lost the initiative and allowed the home side back into the game with some poor defending. So it was no surprise to see the home side equalise when, during a goal mouth scramble, several Zeal defenders failed to clear and Winkleigh levelled the score from close range. Zeal eventually started to play again and after 30 minutes Harley Cann beat the home keeper with a close range header to regain the lead. It looked as if a one goal advantage might not be enough as the home side turned round with the wind and the slope of the pitch in their favour. But the Zeal defence was tremendous in the second half and their mobile forwards were creating chances. Zeal went 3-1 up when Redd Cann broke down the right and set up a chance for Luke Honeychurch to convert his second goal from close range. Zeal could have scored several more but with 10 minutes left Winkleigh got back into the game after converting a free kick from the edge of the penalty area, but Zeal?s defence held firm for a well deserved victory. Thursday (tonight) away to Heavitree Harriers kick off 7.30pm. Saturday home to Exmouth Amateurs kick off 3pm.
