Jackson Vending Devon & Exeter Senior 4

South Zeal Utd 5

Honiton 1

HAVING lost by one goal to nil as a result of a retaken penalty earlier in the season at Honiton, Zeal produced a tremendous performance, coming back from being a goal down at half-time to win convincingly and knock a good Honiton side off the top of the division on Saturday.

Honiton took the lead after 15 minutes when the Zeal defence failed to deal with a difficult ball on the edge of the penalty area which was then lobbed over Neil Clift in the Zeal goal and just squeezed in at the far post.

Honiton looked

dangerous down both wings and only stout defending stopped them from increasing their lead.

The tide turned when Harley Cann and Steve Pillivant started to run at Honiton?s defence, creating several good chances for the home side, but after several near misses by the Zeal forwards the two teams turned round with the away side still one up.

Zeal started the second half competing hard for every ball but took 20 minutes to get the equaliser they deserved, Tom Reilly robbed a Honiton defender 30 yards from goal, ran into Honiton?s penalty area and smashed an unstoppable shot into the far side netting.

The visitors were on the back foot and it was no surprise when Zeal took the lead after good approach play gave Roger White the chance to finish from close range and put Zeal ahead.

It was now all Zeal. Steve Pillivant made it 3-1 from the penalty spot when Tom Reilly was fouled in the penalty area and Harley Cann scored a tremendous fourth goal after beating three Honiton defenders and sliding the ball home from close range.

Zeal?s fifth came just before the final whistle when Lee Gilbert scored his first of the season from the penalty spot.

This week away to Bickleigh, kick-off 3pm.