Dy Dick Sturch

Millwey Rise 1sts 1, Cranbrook 1sts 3

For the first 25 minutes Millwey matched the visitors in every department and came nearest to opening the scoring .

Cranbrook then began making inroads into the Rise defence and from a corner went into the lead. The visitors were then given a strongly contested penalty for handball, but justice was done when keeper Jason Hoole made a fine save low down to his left.

Nathan Womersley came close to equalising but his shot passed just the wrong side of the upright.

Cranbrook continued to press and gained several corners which were successfully defended by the Millwey defence. In the dying minutes of the half, Alex Rockett's fierce free-kick dipped onto the top of the Cranbrook netting with the goalkeeper well beaten.

The second period saw Millwey equalise in the fifth minute when Womersley cooly slotted home a penalty given for a foul in the area.

Cranbrook again went into the lead with a breakaway goal ten minutes later. Jack Bennett was replaced by defender Imran Chowdry as the visitors exerted more pressure which paid off 25 minutes in when they were awarded a second penalty from which they made no mistake.

The final Rise substitution saw one young player give way to another when Joe Osborne replaced Owen Enticott. Millwey hung in for the remainder of the game with some back-to-the-wall defending and an occassional break but rarely threatened the visitors' goal.

This game certainly tested Millwey's resolve and although defeat was the outcome pride was the winner.

An outstanding display in defence, especially from Matt Lewis and veteran Stuart King. Zak Meaker covered every inch of the turf and Nathan Womersley was a constant thorn in the visitors' side.

Next Saturday Millwey are away to Cullompton Rangers 2nds (kick-off 3pm).