Thorverton 2nd X1 1, Millwey Rise 1st X1 0

This was a game where scoring opportunities were at a premium. Time and time again attackers fell victim to resolute defenders.

After some very attractive build up work from Rise that lacked the finishing touch it was Thorverton who came nearest to scoring. A shot-cum-cross eluded goalkeeper Flynn Smith and hit the far post before being scrambled clear.

Millwey continued their intricate midfield play with Sam Turner particularly prominent. The action kept swinging from end to end and in one particular move a great Jack Bennett cross found no heads to take the simple task of nodding it in. A final Thorverton corner was cleared by the Millwey defence just prior to the half-time whistle ending what had been an evenly balanced contest.

The first minute of the second period proved catastrophic for Rise when a mix-up between a defender and keeper allowed Thorverton's forward the simple task of gliding the ball into an empty net. From that moment on the game lost its flow and a series of misplaced passes, by both sides, created a very untidy display.

Occasional flashes lit up what was becoming a war of attrition with the referee speaking to players on either side. A series of substitutions by Millwey's manager Shane Featherstone attempted to rectify their position but again it was the home side who came nearest to scoring, and would have done so but for a great interception by Alex Osborne, which prevented a certain goal. The game petered out to a scrappy finale with neither side actually threatening to score a goal.

Rise were without influential central defender Leigh Beer and several other stalwarts through sickness and injury. Two of those currently side-lined were at the game. Zak Meaker whose broken foot is now on the mend, but not in time for this season, and Owen Enticott still nursing a broken shoulder. On the day Millwey's back four worked hard and effectively to close down Thorverton's forward line and Jack Bennett, leading the attack, made a nuisance of himself amongst the home side's defenders.

Next game for Millwey is on Saturday against current League leaders Heart of Oak at Cloakham (kick off 3pm).