Jackson Vending Devon & Exeter

Senior 4

South Zeal Utd 5

Newtown 3

WITH three regular players out due to flu and suspension this was always going to be a difficult game for Zeal who only narrowly defeated Newtown away from home earlier in the season.

Tim Sanderson defence, Arun Ditchburn midfield and Alan Vile up front came in as replacements and all played a major part in securing the points for Zeal.

Zeal controlled the first half and went ahead after a great through ball from Tom Reilly found Arun

Ditchburn, who went on to blast a great shot past the keeper.

Zeal increased their lead after 20 minutes when Harley Cann beat Newtown?s defence and finished well into the far corner of the net. Zeal looked in control but Newtown were always dangerous and reduced the deficit on the half-hour when good football down the left saw one of their strikers volley past Neil Clift in the Zeal goal. This goal lifted Newtown and Zeal?s defence did well to weather the next ten minutes as a series of long throw-ins were hurled into the Zeal penalty area.

But Zeal restored their two-goal advantage five minutes before half-time when a great through ball by Garry Smith put Vile through on goal and he finished well by lobbing the keeper from the edge of the penalty area.

Arun Ditchburn put Zeal 4-1 up after ten minutes of the second half when he broke down the right and finished well with a great shot into the far corner.

But Newtown came straight back after good approach play gave them a simple chance which was converted at the far post. Zeal?s defence were working hard to keep Newtown at bay and with 20 minutes left Harley Cann went on a great run and put Zeal back in control after another cool finish to restore the lead to three.

Newtown scored their third goal when Tim Sanderson hit an unstoppable lob past Clift but by then the game was all but over and Zeal could well have scored two or three more.

This week home to Bow, kick-off 3pm.

Okehampton Argyle 2nds 0

Crediton 2

AFTER a below par performance the previous week against South Zeal Okehampton found themselves up against an improving lowly Crediton. Okehampton had several key players missing for this match. With the slope and a strong breeze the side had most of the play but were continually thwarted by Crediton?s experienced back four who continually sprang the offside trap.

Tim Shaw and Jason Sandford both wasted glorious chances to bury the visitors and when Martyn Letchford brought down the visiting striker outside the box Crediton took full advantage with a superb strike giving them the lead against the run of play.

The second half saw Crediton have more of the game as Okehampton failed to string any real passing moves together. They extended their lead with a low powerful strike which Scott Leyman failed to hold.

This Saturday away to Northlew, 3pm kick-off.