Dawlish Utd 1st’s 2-6 Beer Albion 1st’s
Beer Albion 1st’s re-started their Devon and Exeter Premier League East campaign with a convincing 6-2 win away at Dawlish Utd write Mark Rooke and Richard Honnor.
The Fishermen made a whirlwind start taking the lead in the 2nd minute when Alex Paget fired the ball across the keeper into the corner. 5 minutes later Jacob Hale tried his luck from the edge of the area and the ball looped over the Dawlish keeper's head for a 2-0 lead.
But Dawlish hit back with a somewhat controversial goal in the 20th minute after they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Beer penalty box. As the referee was moving the Beer wall back 10 yards and without waiting for the referee's whistle, the Dawlish player slid the free-kick home. Despite Beer protests, the goal stood.
Dawlish leveled at 2-2 in the 27th minute with a fine goal. Their midfielder evaded 3 tackles before crossing the ball to their striker who steered the ball home.
The Fishermen made the perfect response by restoring their 2-goal lead before half time. First, skipper Chris Long capitalised on a Dawlish defensive mix-up to put Beer in front again, thenTom Perry got his first goal for the club when despite the efforts of 2 defenders and the goalkeeper he still managed to force the ball home for a 4-2 lead.
The second half started scrappily with neither team playing any football worthy of note. The long lay off and pitch conditions were the main contributory factors.
But the introduction of substitute midfielder Charley Skilton who has returned to the club after a spell with Axminster restored composure and quality to Beer's play and on 57 minutes George Harwood scored with a powerful 25 yarder to put the Fishermen 5-2 ahead.
After Tom Perry was brought down in the box on 70 minutes after another determined run, Jacob Hale converted the spot-kick to put the result beyond doubt.
Manager Rooke was delighted with the attitude and work rate of the whole team after the long lay-off. He singled out centre back Jay Catley as man-of-the-match. "Jay has been asked to play in numerous positions this season and each time he has been superb. Due to the unavailability of central defenders this week, Jay stepped in as centre back for the first time, and he excelled yet again."
Rooke was also able to bring on two 16 year olds, Harry Lawrence and Louis Rinaldi for the last 20 minutes. Both the young debutants made favorable impressions.
Next Saturday, Beer 1sts make the short trip to local rivals Colyton. Colyton are going well again this season in Premier East Division so this will be a tough test for the Fishermen.