Tavistock 1

BERE Alston are through to the second round of the East Cornwall League Cup after narrowly edging past local rivals Tavistock, but the win was overshadowed by a nasty injury to central midfielder Darren Smalley.

Tavistock started the better and Bere keeper Craig Howells was fortunate to see a cross-cum-shot from Tavistock's Jamie Martin loop just over the bar.

Bere went close with efforts from Dan Follett, Mike Curtis and Will Westlake, they were gifted a goal after an horrendous back pass from Tavistock's right back was intercepted by Dan Follett, who calmly slotted the ball past Steve Bray.

Tavistock deservedly got themselves level when Jamie Martin showed good close control on the edge of the box, before slamming his shot into the bottom left hand corner.

Within a minute Bere Alston were back in front. Mark Wheeler played a free kick out to Will Westlake on the right and continued his run before taking a return pass and firing into the roof of the net.

Then, for Bere Alston, disaster struck two minutes before half-time. Smalley went down under an innocuous challenge from Tavistock's Chris Faulkener and was clearly in distress. The referee decided to blow for half-time and after lengthy treatment, Smalley was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

With a 2-1 lead to hold onto and despite obvious concern for Smalley, Bere had to remain focused as Tavistock increased the pressure in the second half

Their plight was not helped when Westlake got himself sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the afternoon.

Later diagnosis was that Smalley had in fact broken his fibula, tibia and ankle and will face a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Kevin Taylor was, however, satisfied that there was no malice intended from the Tavistock player and expressed thanks to Mark Claridge for his initial treatment of Smalley and the Tavistock management and players for their subsequent card and good will messages.

Bere Alston Utd 2

Barnstaple AAC 1

BERE Alston booked their passage into the third round of the Devon Premier Cup, courtesy of this narrow win against a plucky Barnstaple and in doing so extended their winning streak to five games.

Barnstaple started brightly and took a deserved lead midway through the first half when Sharpe tapped in from close range.

Bere were level within five minutes. Mike Curtis, playing in an unfamiliar midfield role, picked up the ball just inside the Barnstaple half and evaded three tackles before unleashing a low drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner of the net.

After a few stern words at half-time, manager Kevin Taylor switched Marcus Pethick for Christian Mackintosh on the left and pushed Will Westlake, who was suffering from a groin strain, into a lone striker's role and Bere began to cause Barnstaple a lot more problems.

Another weaving run and shot from Mike Curtis cannoned off the post and then the Barnstaple keeper made a good save at full stretch from a Zac Beesley free kick.

With five minutes to go and extra time looming, Mark Wheeler found Lee Howells free just inside the Barnstaple penalty area and although his initial effort was well saved by the keeper, Marcus Pethick was on hand to slam home the rebound.

Bere saw out the last few minutes to put themselves into the hat for the third round with the big boys from the Peninsula League.

Man of the match: Mike Curtis

Next match: Saturday October 18 home to Wadebridge. Kick-off 2.30pm.