Devon and Exeter five

South Zeal United 4

Awliscombe United 0

FRESH from their first win in six last week, South Zeal were confident going into this match against Awliscombe, who were sitting nearer the bottom of the table.

The first half was a half of few clear cut chances, however, Zeal were the stronger of the two sides and perhaps should have been in front had Adam Clark been able to find the net from a succession of Jack Davey throw-ins or Tom Boother’s whipped free kicks.  It was credit to Awliscombe who held the home side to half time with the score 0-0.

South Zeal broke the deadlock five minutes into the half when a superb passing move between Tom Boother and Ryan Dennis sent the home side’s newest signing, Daniel Sanders, clean through on goal. At just 16 Sanders came straight into the side and his clinical and classy finish was one to remember.

The home side finally began to play the football that had seen them beat Winchester the previous week. Solid defensive work from Lee Gilbert and Samuel Jones allowed Zeal to play up through the centre of the park; eventually a ball from James Anderson, who played well down his left flank, was met by Ryan Dennis — he slotted the ball past the keeper for his first.

Man of the match Jack Davey was key in killing any Awliscombe threat as he hassled hard in midfield. Winning the ball he linked with Clark and Anderson before the ball fell to Ryan Dennis, who hit a stunning strike into the top left corner that gave the keeper no chance.

With ten minutes to go coach Williams introduced sub George Jeffery to the fray; with the game almost done Jeffery’s persistence to chase saw him poach a loose ball and round the keeper before walking the ball into the empty net for 4-0.