By Richard Honnor

Devon and Exeter League Division 1

Beer Albion 2nds 2-2 Wellington 2nds

Beer Albion 2nds achieved a creditable 2-2 home draw against 3rd placed Wellington 2nds in this Devon and Exeter Division One encounter. In front of a Furzebrake crowd of 90, the two sides served up an entertaining end-to-end contest in tricky, windy conditions. 

The Tangerines started strongly and throughout the match they were a constant threat down the right wing. The warning signs were there after only 20 minutes when right-sided players Chivers and Healey combined well to lay on a great opportunity for Paulson from eight yards out but the striker spooned his shot over the bar. 

The Fishermen capitalised on this by taking a 1-0 lead just six minutes later. Midfielder Simon Smith was tripped in the penalty box and Smith got up to despatch the resultant spot kick.

Wellington equalised on 30 minutes through another penalty. Another swift counter-attack down the right put centre forward, Paulson, in the clear. Young Beer keeper Leo Gribble made a fine save one-on-one but, as the ball broke loose, Paulson was caught fractionally late and the striker scored from the penalty spot.

Beer missed a good chance to go in front on 39 minutes when Harry Lawrence shot over the bar after a good move down the right. But Wellington came on strong towards the end of the first half and went 2-1 ahead when Paulson finished a well-crafted move which once again emanated from good play by Healey and Chivers down the right wing.

After the break it was the Fishermen's turn to apply the pressure and with just two minutes gone they were on level terms. Daley Holmes was brought down in the box after a slick counter attack and once again Simon Smith stepped up to execute a perfectly placed spot kick.

Beer had often been at full stretch in the first half but they showed more attacking intent in the second half with creative midfielders Smith and Daley Holmes prominent. But neither side could force another breakthrough and the game finished all square. 

There were plenty of good performers on show. Wellington's best players were Healey and Chivers. For Beer Barnaby Down, Daley Holmes and Ashley Driver all played well but sponsors Beer Fisherie sawarded man-of the-match to Simon Smith. 

Devon Football League North and East Division

Ottery St Mary 1sts 0-5 Beer Albion 1sts

Beer Albion 1sts completed a Devon League double over local rivals Ottery St Mary 1sts, trouncing the Otters 5-0 away at Washbrook Meadows on Saturday.

Strengthened by the return of Jake Rowe, Charley Skilton and Josh French the Fishermen produced one of their best team performances so far this season combining some excellent passing football with high pressing to deny their opponents any quality time and space on the ball.

A brilliantly executed 14th minute strike from Rowe set the tone and, despite striker French and defender Joe Adkin retiring through injuries, further goals from Giles Basson and Tony Pinder gave the Fishermen a comfortable 3-0 cushion at half time.

After the break, Jack de Winter who was impressive on debut for the Fishermen added two more goals to seal a comfortable 5-0 win for the league leaders.

Next week, Beer 1st's have a crucial Devon league home game against fellow high-fliers North Molton. Kick-off at the Furzebrake is at 3pm and the match sponsor is Jimmy Green Marine.

The Fishermens 2nds are away Teignmouth 2nds in Devon and Exeter Division One.