By Dick Sturch

Cranbrook United 1sts 3, Millwey Rise 1sts 0

This was a difficult afternoon for both Rise teams. Because of unavailability, five 2nd X1 players had to be drafted into the 'seniors' and this in turn had a knock-on effect for the reserve team.

Millwey kicked off down the slope with a strong wind in their back which, in the opening stages, saw them mount several threatening attacks that led to numerous corners and opportunities but unfortunately none were taken. Jo Osborne came closest to breaking the deadlock for Millwey but then, minutes before half-time, Cranbrook were awarded a penalty which was converted and they went into the break a goal to the good.

Cranbrook made good use of the slope and the wind in the second period. They continually put pressure on Millwey defence in which Sam Wadden was outstanding in keeping them at bay. In fact, it was Rise who had the clearest opportunity to score when it looked as though Jack Bennett was about to head a certain goal from a Dave Bridge's cross only for a defender to deflect it for a corner. Minutes after this Cranbrook themselves were awarded a corner and the second goal that accompanied it from a powerful header.

Millwey kept trying to get the ball forward but were finding it difficult against an uncompromising defence and the stiff wind against them. Zak Meaker saved 'Rise' from going further behind when he cleared off the goal line following a Cranbrook free kick but within a short time they went three goals up when a forward got his foot to a ball that Millwey's defence failed to clear as it ricocheted around the area. Millwey did finally get the ball in their opponents net only to have it disallowed for offside. 

For Rise defender Sam Wadden was certainly Millwey's man-of-the match for his interventions, clearances and total involvement in the game. Nathan Womersley and Dave Bridges worked hard, both in mid-field and attack, but on the day Cranbrook were the stronger side.

Millwey Rise 2nds 2, North Tawton 4

Millwey 2nd X1 played host to North Tawton without some key players due to the needs to fill several shortages in the 1st X1 ranks. This led to them being put under pressure straight from the first whistle. The visitors took the lead after some clever inter-play, but probably, against the run, Rise then equalised when the returning Robbie Prior nodded past an hesitant keeper. This seemed to rattle North Tawton's cage and they quickly bagged two more goals before the break to go in at half time 1-3 up. 

The Rise management team made two second half substitutions in an attempt to get a foothold on the game but went a further goal down not long after the restart. Far from dispiriting the team something suddenly clicked in the Millwey camp and chances were soon being created.

Striker Ben Rosling pulled a goal back with a fine finish from an acute angle. Millwey manager Terry Male then took stand-in keeper Ashley Hall out of goal and replaced him with Robbie Prior. Hall was moved into the midfield in an attempt to tighten it up. The move saw Rise starting to push for more goals. Substitute Corban Wilson came on and quickly had a great chance to pull another goal back for Rise but his shot rose over the bar.

As the game progressed it just wasn't to be for the home side as three more great chances went begging. Alex Osborne who, after missing from close range, then produced a great header which hit the woodwork and in a goalmouth scramble that saw the ball cleared off the line. The final score remained 2-4 in the visitors favour.

Manager Terry Male admitted he may have got the initial line-up wrong but was pleased with his players' second half performance and how encouraging it was to see their "never say die" attitude. Player-of-the match award went to Ben Rosling who worked tirelessly up front. Male was also impressed yet again with Corban Wilson and Taylor Briggs, two young players who are showing good promise.