South Zeal Utd 4
Westex Rovers 2
ON a dreadful day with water on the pitch both teams set out to play controlled football.
Zeal had a goal disallowed for offside and Westex hit the bar. Then Adam Cann made a one-handed save and fisted out the resultant corner.
Half time arrived with no score. The game continued with unflinching combativeness, then the unexpected and special happened twice. Alan Brimmacombe powered his way through some lunging tackles and it was 1-0. A superb lobbed shot from 35 yards left Cann stranded and Westex were level again.
Both keepers were playing their part and it was all action. Zeal had a good spell which climaxed with what appeared to be the winner.
First, Brimmacombe volleyed a spectacular looping shot for 2-1 and Steve Pillivant saw his diagonal shot hit the post and spin out to Roger White who put it in the net for 3-1.
With the light fading fast and all the players soaked and muddy Westex showed they were not laying down.
Zeal defended firmly but Westex forced the ball in for 3-2. Zeal had several shots saved and Westex hit the bar.
It was difficult to see in the bad light but a controversial penalty settled the match when Pillivant scored from the spot for 4-2.