Devon and Exeter three South Zeal Utd 4

North Tawton 4

IN a rousing eight goal local derby thriller North Tawton clawed themselves back into the match four times to earn a well deserved point against South Zeal on Saturday.

South Zeal have been in great form of late and took the lead after 15 minutes when Tom Reilly sent Darren Gilbert through on goal and he beat two defenders and rounded the visitors keeper for a simple tap in. North Tawton equalised 10 minutes later when a cross was diverted past the stranded Oliver Holman, the Zeal keeper, by one of his own mid-fielders.

As the first half progressed the home side went 2-1 up when Harley Cann converted from 10 yards after some good work by Ben Davey and Scott Hooper set him up for the chance.

In the second half North Tawton were always dangerous and equalised when a good move and cross from the right led to one of their forwards heading home from close range. South Zeal took the lead again 15 minutes later when Harley Cann latched onto a great through ball by Daniel Gibbs and finished easily with a tap-in. Back came the visitors who equalised when one of their forwards outstripped the Zeal defence and finished well from 10 yards. South Zeal right full back Daniel Wakeham pushed forward and with only several minutes left he scored Zeal's fourth goal from close range.

However, North Tawton would not be denied and equalised with the last kick of the game after a low cross from the left fell for one of their strikers to score from close range and earn a well deserved point.