Uplomond 2

South Zeal 0

SOUTH Zeal never did themselves justice in this Football Express Cup semi-final at Crediton.

Although the better side for the first half-hour,when several chances might have been converted, Zeal went in at half-time a goal down against the run of play when a mix up in defence allowed Uplomond to take the lead with a simple headed flick — it left Zeal keeper Cleave Collins stranded.

In an effort to get back into the game Zeal pushed forward and paid the penalty within ten minutes of the second half when Uplomond broke down the right and a good cross was converted from close range to put the Tiverton side two up.

Zeal dominated the last 30 minutes but could not make any clear-cut chances as Uplomond packed their penalty area. Roger White almost reduced the deficit with a header that produced a great save from the Uplomond keeper and Shaun Hiscock had a goalbound shot well blocked but in the end Uplomond deserved their victory and passage into the final.

The Zeal players expressed thanks to the many supporters who travelled to Crediton for their great support on the night.

Devon & Exeter Intermediate 1

South Zeal 1

ZEAL might have dropped their heads after their cup defeat and allowed Sandford an easy last game of the season as champions. But they lifted themselves and produced a fighting performance against a good Sandford side.

With several players injured Zeal had a younger starting line up and attacked Sandford from the start.

The game was even throughout and Zeal took the lead after 30 minutes when a poor clearance from the Sandford keeper allowed Shaun Hiscock to give Zeal the lead with a good finish.

Cleave Collins in the Zeal goal had to make several good saves to keep Zeal in front and they should have been two up when Leon Ware broke through and scored only for the linesman to give a bad offside decision and deny a good goal.

In the second half Zeal had some good chances to increase their lead and Garry Smith went close when after some good work by Shaun Hiscock but Smith's shot just missed the far post.

The Zeal defence seemed to have a stranglehold on the Sandford attack but they were caught napping when one of the Sandford strikers broke from the halfway line and crossed for a simple headed equaliser.

Although Sandford pushed for the winner the Zeal defence held out for a well deserved draw.