Beer Albion continued their good run of form with a fine 3-1 win away against Topsham Town in the Devon Football League writes Richard Honnor. It was a hard fought contest on a heavy surface but the Fishermen were good value for the win. They were solid at the back, powerful and creative in midfield and created more chances than their opponents who can thank their excellent keeper for a string of fine saves.
Beer got away to a rip-roaring start taking the lead through Josh French with just 2 minutes gone. Topsham’s centre back conceded possession under pressure midway in his own half and French collected the ball, advanced in the inside right positition and placed a clean strike from 18 yards into the left corner via the upright.
The game threatened to flare up on 7 minutes when Beer midfielder Charley Skilton was caught by crude challenge from centre back Skinner which resulted in a yellow card for the Topsham skipper. But the Fishermen responded positively and Aaron Daniels cutting in from the left was twice denied in quick succession, first on 8 minutes when his shot was deflected wide and then 2 minutes later his effort was saved by the Topsham keeper.
After the initial onslaught, Topsham began to exploit space in midfield and took advantage with some driving runs and quick breaks. It was after one such move that home side forced a corner on 15 minutes from which Skinner, unmarked, powered home a header to put his side on level terms.
The remainder of the first half was fairly even with Beer shading possession and Topsham relying on quick breaks.
Within 2 minutes of the restart, Beer went 2-1 in front. Topsham failed to deal with deep corner from Cody Bowditch and George Richards was able to fire the ball home from 14 yards with another well-placed effort.
The Fishermen were now well on top with Josh French and Finley Rooke orchestrating the midfield, bringing wing backs Matt Berry and Bowditch into the play with some well-placed passes. French got the ball past the advancing keeper on 55 minutes but the danger was cleared and Berry’s looping header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the Topsham keeper on 62 minutes.
But Beer were not to be denied however and went 3-1 ahead on 63 minutes. From another Bowditch corner, Finley Rooke was wrestled to the ground by the Topsham by skipper Skinner whose eventful afternoon ended when he received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Rooke coolly despatched the spot kick.
There was a late disappointment for substitute Joe Adkin who was dismissed by the referee for retaliation after he had appeared to be fouled. But Beer were not to be denied and cruised home to a comfortable win.
Man-of-the-match in another good team effort was Josh French with Finley Rooke not far behind.
Next Saturday, Beer 1st’s are without a game. Meanwhile in Devon and Exeter Division 2, Beer 2nd’s make the short trip to Seaton for an intriguing local derby against Seaton Town 1st’s. The Fishermen will be wanting to overturn the 4-2 defeat inflicted upon them by the Seasiders in the reverse home fixture.