Millwey Rise 1st X1 0 - Witheridge 1st X1 0

The 'Reds' or the 'Blues' - that was the question. In the end I chose the blue of Millwey over the red of Liverpool. Possibly an ocean apart in skill but little difference in effort and determination. Both matches were cliff hangers for the spectators watching.

Millwey certainly began with a determination that promised goals to come. In the first minutes Owen Enticott just failed to get a toe-end on a through ball before the keeper secured it. This was followed by a cross that was turned for a corner before a Millwey boot could connect with it. Finally a desperate clearance by the Witheridge keeper as he dashed half way to the centre circle to clear a through ball before a Millwey forward could get a foot on it. After the early excitement the game settled down as play swung from end to end with Enticott, Luke Thurlow and Ben Webb going close for the 'Rise' but neither side was able to make a telling strike before the whistle signalled the break.

The second period started in the same vein as the first. Both sides had chances but resolute defending prevented any further score. Witheridge came closest when, with the goal at their mercy, somehow a forward managed to skew the ball round keeper, Nathan Hoole's post. Joe Osborne then neatly beat two defenders but his resultant cross-goal strike flashed past the far post. In the dying minute Millwey were very unlucky not to wrap up the points when a Chris Pritchard precision cross was met by a thumping header from Jack Bennet which rattled the visitors crossbar and that was that.

For Rise defender Bailey Hall continued his impressive performance of last week to be crowned man-of-the-match but again Zak Meaker certainly pushed him very close with his non-stop endeavour to cover every inch of the pitch in defence and attack.

After a difficult season the draw leaves Millwey in a creditable, mid-table position and with only one more game to go at East Budleigh in a fortnight's time the opportunity to re-group in the close season and build on the youth they have been lucky to have at their disposal.