Tipton St John 0
South Zeal 5
ZEAL continued their upward climb and Tipton were unsettled from the start. Their sluggish defence dished out a few brutal realities to the fledgling Zeal youngsters, but the policy of pinning faith on youth is being handsomely rewarded by Zeal.
Roger White was everywhere and Reg Wonnacott's resurgence to the kingpin of defence is a telling contribution to the education of the less experienced.
The only goal of the first half was no indication of the later domination enjoyed by Zeal. Good movement and passes saw Tim Sanderson run up the right to cross for Allan Brimacombe to score.
Tipton were unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside.
The second half began with Tipton in determined mood. But Zeal took control again and a high leap by Jeremy Stevens saw him just head wide. The ball was scrambled out and the rampaging Roger White scored Zeal's second.
Both goalies had plenty to do but it was not going to be Tipton's day. Stevens was found by an angled pass and he swivelled and struck the third. Allan Brimacombe latched on to an errant pass and did the same for Zeal;s fourth. At the other end Zeal twice headed off the line from corners.
Tipton were just not destined to score. Then Stevens outpaced a defender on the right, cut into the box and cracked an unstoppable fifth for Zeal to make their domination absolute.
This week home to Exeter Bohemians, kick-off 2.30pm.