Devon and Exeter division three

Chagford 2

Topsham Town

reserves 1

IN a closely fought contest the hosts came out on top, with both teams playing some excellent football.

Topsham had the better of the first few minutes and thought they had an early lead, only to see the ‘goal’ ruled out by the referee’s whistle. This seemed to inject life into Chagford and they pulled themselves back into the game.

Gillon and Dawson-Ambiado were dominant in Chagford’s defence, limiting Topsham to longer range efforts, and Alex Norman’s handling was confident behind them. Robbie Miller capitalised on a sweeping move by his colleagues to poach his second league goal of the season. Bonaparte rifled in a shot soon after, the upright denying Chagford a better half-time lead.

The second half opened with a more composed Chagford playing shorter, overcoming their liking for the long-ball tactic more suited to faster forwards. On the hour, White recovered the ball on Topsham’s goal-line, bamboozled two defenders and laid the ball back for Jai Minett to stroke the ball home.

Town were determined to get something from the match but, again, found Norman and his defence solid until the very last minute. With time ebbing away, Sam Clarke found the ball at his feet in a packed penalty area and gleeful fired in a shot. Although man of the match Norman and a defender got touches on the ball it nestled in the Chagford net. Norman had already made a couple of stunning saves but could do little more to deny the attacker the last word.

Devon and Exeter eight

Sandford Reserves 2

Chagford Reserves 0

CHAGFORD Reserves stay mid-table after a disappointing trip to Sandford, who collected their first points of the season.