Devon and Exeter six

Whipton and Pinhoe FC 6

THE opening match of the season saw the Recreation ground full with support for both sides on a hot and sunny day.

Whipton took a hold of the game straight from the kick off dominating the possession and creating chances as the South Zeal defence seemed unsure how to cope with their clever passing game.

Whipton made the early pressure count and the floodgates opened in the Zeal defence and soon the visitors were 3-0 up.

The Zeal fans, though, got behind the team, to encourage them to battle hard in the midfield area against a physical Whipton side.

The home midfield began to get hold of the ball and play some good flowing football. A string of one touch passes saw a great move between Tom Reilly, Samuel Jones and Redd Cann bring about Zeal’s first goal of the campaign as the player who started the move, Redd Cann, latched onto a through ball to make it 3-1 at half time.

After a a stern team talk from manager Gary Smith South Zeal were a different side in the second half, pressing the ball harder and winning the ball all over the pitch. Strong defensive work from Matt Dennis at the Zeal back line and Harry Smith won back possession of the ball to counter attack the Whipton goal.

A long ball from the Zeal defence met by Samuel Jones caused panic at the back for Whipton as Zeal striker Adam Clark tucked the ball into the net at the near post but it was ruled offside.

But Zeal surged forward again and from out wide Darren Gilbert beat his man before squaring the ball to Adam Clark. who tucked the ball away to bring the score to 3-2.

Zeal were now full of running with the whole team. Great movement from Harry Smith brought about the equalizer, again the ball eventually shifting out to the left flank with Darren Gilbert, who jinxed into the box before tucking the ball in at the near post to make it 3-3.

Whipton knew they needed to get a foothold in the game and it became even more physical with strong tackles going in all over the pitch.

Whipton then began to take control to eventually win 6-3.