Devon & Exeter Premier
Hatherleigh Town 2
THIS was an entertaining match between two sides who played the kind of passing football which keeps the purists happy.
Hatherleigh made one change to their starting line-up with Trev Cleave in on the left at the expense of Patrick Jones.
The first 20 minutes saw end to end action as both sides tried to gain the upper hand. After several crosses into the box one finally proved fruitful for the home team.
A throw in from the right was touched back to Endacott by James. From Endacott?s cross the ball found its way to Cleave at the back post and he slotted home.
In the second half the students pushed an extra player forward and packed the midfield in search of an equaliser.
The home side needed to be at their best defensively to preserve their lead and Pearson and Bryant were particularly to the fore.
Hatherleigh went two up with a goal against the run of play.
A rare break forward saw Vernon win a corner.
From his flag kick the ball was not cleared and there was a scramble in the box. When the ball popped out to Cleave he calmly picked his spot with a left footed finish.
There were fine saves at both ends. Simon James was denied by the University keeper and Gary Toop maintained his recent good form for Hatherleigh.
University threw on a couple of attacking players in a last attempt to save the game, and duly pulled back a goal with 15 minutes to go.
Bruce then had to leave the pitch injured and this disruption to the back four led to University getting an equaliser.
This Saturday sees Hatherleigh travel to top of the table Cullompton Rangers.