By Dick Sturch

Millwey Rise 1st X1 4,Awliscombe 1st X1 2

The visitors made their intent known from the first whistle testing both Millwey's defence and goalkeeper Flynn Smith who made some crucial interceptions.

It was not until the tenth minute that Rise exerted any pressure but the resultant corner kick was cleared. Millwey kept pressing and in the space of three minutes scored twice. The first goal came courtesy of an Owen Dibling header, quickly followed by an exquisite lob from striker Luke Thurlow which left the keeper stranded for thesecond goal. This did not deter the visitors in any way and they kept pressurisng the home side's defence but, although being awarded several corner kicks, were unable to get the ball past Smith in the Ris' goal before the cessation of the first half.

Cam Board replaced Sam Turner for Millwey at the commencement of the second period. The game remained in the Rise half for long periods but Awliscombe found their defence in no mood to surrender their lead. Thurlow gave way to Jack Bennett and Owen Enticott was replaced by Theo Sauter-Stone.

Twenty five minutes in Millwey gave away a silly free kick just outside their penalty area from which Awliscombe scored to reduce the deficit. This certainly inspired them and they put real pressure on Millwey's back four but without further reward before the home side once more increased their lead through Jack Bennett. Dave Bridges nearly added to the lead after a great run from inside his own half but the resulting shot was turned away for a corner. Owen Dibling gave way to Bailey Hall before Awliscombe once more posted their intent with another goal in the fortieth minute. In the final minutes Ty Allan latched onto a Sam Dibling pass to blast the ball into the Awls net and secure all the points as Rise continued their recent run of successes.

This was again an all-round team effort helped by Dave Bridge's ceaseless involvement in midfield and attack while Matty Lewis, Leigh Beer and Ben Webb were a formidable defensive barrier which held firm under some constant pressure by the visitors.

Millwey retain their third spot in Devon and Exeter Division Three on equal points as second placed Bickleigh.

Next week Whipton & Pinhoe 1st X1 come to Cloakham while Millwey 2nd X1 travel to Bow (kick-off at 3pm).