Devon and Exeter five

South Zeal United 5

Alphington thirds 1

SOUTH Zeal of the new year saw them return to the Recreation Ground to host Alphington thirds in the league.

The home side fielded a strong side, including the return of Harley Cann, and was full of pace down the flanks in Ryan Dennis and Luke Jefferies.

Starting strongly Zeal created the best of the chances for the most part of the first half.

It was the returning Harley Cann, who broke the deadlock with a classy finish, chasing down a superb long ball from Ollie Jefferies that looked to be a lost cause, rounding the keeper and securing the advantage at 1-0. 

In what proved to be the only blip of an otherwise superb display from the back four — Ollie Jefferies, Ben Davey, Spencer Stallion and skipper Matt Dennis — Zeal’s defence failed to clear a dangerous attack and allowed Alphington to sneak in an equaliser. 

Tom Reilly and Samuel Jones were strong in centre midfield; linking well they provided Harley Cann a chance at his second; this time, however, the away keeper brought him down in the box, handing South Zeal a chance to regain the lead.

The last kick of the half was taken by Adam Clark who sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot for 2-1. 

The second half was a nervy affair and 30 minutes went by with the scores locked at 2-1. Ollie Jefferies and Ryan Dennis were outstanding in the positions and both made solid claims for man of the match.

It was that man Harley Cann who secured that honour, however, when he scored two goals in quick succession to complete a impressive hat-trick. Assisted by Ryan Dennis, Cann coolly finished after breaking through the back line. 

James Williams made a hatful of stunning saves to quash any chance of a Alphington comeback, before Ryan Dennis scored a well deserved goal to cap a brilliant game. Playing a ball out wide to Harley, who turned provider with his cross which was met and dispatched by the late arriving Ryan to finish the game 5-1.