Horrabridge Rangers U15s 6

Tavistock Thistles U15s 4

HORRABRIDGE made the brighter start but found it difficult to break down a resolute Thistles' defence. Eventually, Josh Broughton found space behind the back four to coolly slot the ball home for the first of his five goals.

Rather than press home their advantage, Horrabridge sat back. Thistles took the opportunity to draw level after a good interchange between Bradley Barbour and Will Hall. The equaliser was a wake-up call for Horrabridge and Broughton re-established their lead with a well-taken shot from inside the box. However, Horrabridge were finding it difficult playing their usual passing game in the wet and heavy conditions and Tavistock's more direct approach brought dividends before half-time. An astute tactical change brought Thistles their just reward when they levelled the scores at two each.

Horrabridge changed formation and were much more focused in the second half. Firstly, Broughton completed his hat-trick and then man of the match Rob Pearce burst into the Tavistock penalty box to put away a poor clearance and give Horrabridge a two-goal cushion. Tavistock reduced the lead to one goal when Ollie Scanlon cracked home Thistles' third with a great shot. The Tavistock keeper, Roger Blandford, made a string of excellent saves and even saved a penalty. Shortly after, Thistles almost drew level when a looping shot seemed destined for the top corner. Keeper Dan Timmins leapt to tip the ball over the bar.

This proved to be the turning point, as from the resulting corner, Jordan Eales broke away and fed the ball to Kieran Alford, who pulled it back for Broughton to score Horrabridge's fifth goal. Tavistock battled on but could not prevent Broughton scoring his sixth after a characteristic solo run down the left wing. He cut in and fired a shot under the keeper's body. Tavistock scored their fourth after a shot deflected off a Horrabridge defender into his own net.

It was a terrific game played in a great spirit in difficult conditions.