Devon and Exeter five

Millway Rise 6

South Zeal United 3

A LONG away trip to Axminster for Zeal was made less appealing when a few late squad pullouts left them with just a bare 11 to field. 

Injury to Ben Davey meant Coach Williams had to reshuffle the squad, Davey forced to take the gloves whilst Williams himself played alongside Adam Clark up top. 

With barely two minutes played Rise made the most of a defensive error and took the lead. Samuel Jones was at the centre of a feisty battle in the midfield and his link up play with Zeal’s wide men brought about a free kick.

Zeal scored directly from the kick with a stunning strike that caught the keeper off guard. 

South Zeal were unfortunate to fall behind 3-1 as the match was an even contest. Spencer Stallion and Matt Dennis worked hard at the back. However, Rise took their chances and were able to convert a couple of scrappy goals. 

Zeal, though, brought the game back to 3-2 and looked to have the momentum before a controversial penalty was awarded to pull the home side two goals in front again. 

Zeal created a number of chances from a hatful of set pieces but only James Williams could find the net for Zeal, while Ryan Dennis, Adam Clark and Samuel Jones were denied by some good defending. 

Rise finished off the match with two great goals, that really killed Zeal’s fight.  

This was a gutsy performance by the visitors, unfortunately without any reward for their efforts.