Jackson Vending Devon
& Exeter Premier
Cullompton Rangers 1
Hatherleigh Town 2
HATHERLEIGH went into this match as the underdogs, but a determined display saw them leave as deserved winners.
Right from the kick-off they attacked their hosts and James, Dymond and Harris all tested the home keeper.
The best attacks were being prompted down the left where Scolari Jones was giving his marker a torrid time.
The opening goal came when Pearson tried his luck from 30 yards out. His powerful shot took a wicked bounce in front of the keeper and was only parried. The ball broke to James, whose shot was blocked by the keeper, but the rebound came out to Vernon who fired home.
The second half saw more good football from Hatherleigh and the home side used the long ball more frequently.
This basic tactic was dealt with comfortably by Cooper, Bryant, Parson and Bruce in the visiting defence.
Hatherleigh were dealt a blow midway through the second half when James was forced out of the action following a crude challenge.
His replacement, Adams, was soon on the ball in the penalty area and when his attempt at goal was blocked, the ball broke to Vernon who blazed it wildly over the bar.
Cullompton equalised when their striker was first to react to a save from Toop in the visitors? goal.
This could have knocked the stuffing out of Hatherleigh, but they kept going and went back into the lead.
Dymond beat his man on the edge of the box and hit his shot goalwards. The keeper got a hand to it and the ball rolled across goal about a yard out. With a defender and the keeper attempting to clear, Vernon rushed in and bundled the ball into the net.
In the dying seconds a Cullompton player raced clear but Toop produced an outstanding save, to win the three points for Hatherleigh.
This Saturday sees a trip to league leaders, Tap and Barrel.