Devon and Exeter six

Royal Oak FC 1

South Zeal United 2

SOUTH Zeal started in a 3-5-2 formation with Matt Dennis, Lee Gilbert, and Tom Boother as the backline.

The game started off at a quick tempo as both teams were not afraid to venture forward and attack, with chances for both sides in the early exchanges. Royal Oak were causing the Zeal defence some problems as the long ball forward seemed to bring about some scoring chances.

However, it was the visitors, slightly against the run of play, who broke the deadlock. Thirty minutes in, some great link up play between Tom Boother, Ryan Dennis and Adam Clark allowed for Harley Cann to find room; latching onto Clark’s pass and bursting into the area, he coolly rounded the keeper.

The game continued to play with end to end action. Chances came for Harry Smith, Harley Cann and Samuel Jones but to no avail for Zeal. The home side were still causing problems at the back for Zeal who never really looked comfortable in the new formation, and it wasn’t long before they made the pressure count. A cool finish to equalise from the Royal Oak forward left keeper Eddy Jones motionless.

The goal seemed to motivate the away side though and Zeal began to dictate the play in the centre of the park. Harry Smith got on the ball regularly and weaved his way into the attacking half; a piece of individual brilliance from Ryan Dennis gave Zeal the lead once more. Just before half time Ryan picked up the ball on the left wing. His quick feet jinxed past two or three defenders as he made his way to the box before firing the ball into the far corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Still unsure of the formation the second half saw Zeal adjust to 4-4-2.

Zeal now started to look more comfortable, this allowed them to create several more chances in the game. Samuel Jones bursting run gave him a sight of goal but his shot was saved by the keeper.

The final minutes of the game saw Royal Oak in all out attack. Man of the match Tom Reilly and solid work from Lee Gilbert proved crucial in Zeal playing out the victory 2-1.