Jackson Vending Devon & Exeter Premier

Elmore 2

THIS was a case of two points lost rather than one gained for Hatherleigh.

At 2-0 up and with Elmore down to ten men the visitors gave possession away too cheaply and invited pressure on themselves. This cost them, as Elmore fought back to draw the match.

Hatherleigh travelled with a bare 11 players, including youngster Sam Bedford for his full debut.

The game kicked off in bright sunshine and both teams struggled to gain the upper hand early on.

Hatherleigh, having gone close to scoring on a few occasions, took the lead from a corner kick. Neil Vernon swung the ball in from the right and Matty Adams timed his run to meet it with a firm header giving the goalkeeper no chance.

The lead was doubled before half-time. Graham Bryant swung the ball in from the left and the Elmore keeper came off his line, hoping to collect it. A defender had not heard his shout and tried to head clear. The ball dropped to Adams 25 yards out and he met it with a half-volley into the corner of the goal.

This lead was held comfortably until Elmore went down to ten men midway through the second half. An Elmore player who had been booked earlier made another reckless challenge and was sent off.

Elmore pulled one back when the ball was worked into a shooting position inside the penalty area. Gary Toop saved the initial shot but was powerless with the follow-up.

Hatherleigh had chances to kill the game off, but the final pass or the shooting let them down.

The equaliser came when, after what looked like a foul on Bedford went unpunished, the ball broke through towards the visitors? goal. Although Toop looked favourite to get to the ball first, his hesitation allowed the striker to round him and score.

Hatherleigh came close to a winner when they were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. Simon Pearson hit a great shot only to see it hit the crossbar and go over.

This weekend sees a home fixture with Exeter St Thomas.