South Zeal Utd 3
Winkleigh 4
SOUTH Zeal played two matches over the weekend and despite playing very well in both games lost both by four goals to three.
On Saturday Zeal started well against Winkleigh and took the lead after 10 minutes when Robbie Sandercock and Darren Gilbert combined to put Harley Cann through on goal and he finished well from 10 yards. Zeal should have had several more goals but chances were not converted and Winkleigh scored twice within the space of 15 minutes to lead 2-1 at half time.
In the second half it was all Zeal and they duly eaqualised when Tom Reilly hit a tremendous free kick from the edge of the penalty area.
However, two defensive mistakes from the home side gave Winkleigh two quick goals and although Redd Cann made the score 3-4 with 10 minutes left, with a tremendous strike from 20 yards and Harley Cann hit the post.
Try as they might Zeal could not get the equaliser they thought they deserved.
Bill Slee cup
South Zeal Utd 3
Clyst Valley 4
On Sunday Zeal hosted Clyst Valley in the cup and were unlucky to go a goal behind when a ball that was out of play was played by a Clyst forward and converted at the far post to give the visitors the lead.
Zeal equalised when Tom Reilly converted from the penalty spot after Harley Cann was tripped in the area.
Clyst restored their lead 10 minutes from half time and went into the break 2-1 up.
After some great defending to keep Clyst at bay at the start of the second half, with Lee Gilbert and Dan Wakeham outstanding, Tom Reilly equalised, again from the penalty spot after Harley was yet again tripped in the area.
Reilly completed his hat trick with a great header from a Darren Gilbert cross to put Zeal 3-2 up with 15 minutes remaining.
Although Zeal had several half chances to make the game safe Clyst finished strongly and scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to go through to the next round but had to hang on in the last five minutes as Zeal pushed for the equaliser that never came.
This week South Zeal are away to Topsham kick-off 2.15pm.