Devon & Exeter Premier

Tap and Barrel 3

HATHERLEIGH Town will no doubt reflect on this defeat and be disappointed not to have earned the point their performance deserved.

Right from the kick-off, Tap attacked the Hatherleigh defence, playing diagonal through-balls behind the defence for their forwards to run onto. They created a string of chances, without really testing the keeper.

Other than a long-range effort hitting the post, Hatherleigh's defence looked solid.

With half an hour gone, against the run of play, Hatherleigh took the lead, a long goal kick from Jon Hayman was flicked on by Andy Harnell for Simon James to run onto from 20 yards. He lobbed the keeper, giving him no chance of stopping it.

In typical Tap style they did not take this lying down, and the game descended into harsh tackling by both sides.

With five minutes of the half remaining, they equalised. A dangerous ball across the six-yard box was bundled into the net by their striker.

The second half began as the first had finished, Tap constantly probing at the defence.

Simon Ward, Hatherleigh's young right back, put in another outstanding performance to help keep the scores level.

With 20 minutes to go, Tap took the lead. A long ball somehow found its way over the central defence and the striker duly struck it past the keeper.

Hatherleigh then had their best period of the game, having three chances cleared off the line and hitting the post.

With five minutes left and Hatherleigh pushing forward for the equaliser, Tap sealed the game with a well-taken third goal struck from just outside the penalty box.

This Saturday home to Exeter University, kick-off 2.30pm.