Thorncombe 6, Uplyme Reserves 2

Perry Street Division 3

THIS was another tough test for the young Uplyme Reserves team in the shape of an experienced Thorncombe side.

With a decent ref who let the game flow, the Swallows' second string started brightly and matched the home team before giving away a penalty when a ball struck Nate Gillan's arm at close range.

Uplyme's equaliser became the with the goal of the game. The ball was picked up by Ollie Alner on the half-way line, he rode a sliding tackle before racing down the right wing to deliver a pin point cross for Marcus Symonds to volley home.

Thorncombe were troubling the Uplyme defence with balls over the top to their wide players and they capitalised from one of these to score before a miss-hit cross wrong-footed Mikey Sayers to send the Swallows in 3-1 down at half-time.

Second half followed a similar pattern. Thorncombe scored direct from a corner, we conceded a fifth before Alex Pennington won and converted a penalty. Upluyme conceded again late in the game concede again to finish at 6-2.

Manager Pete Blandamer said afterwards: "I thought we gave a good account of ourselves but were missing an old head at the back against canny forwards.

"We looked potent going forward and stand-outs for me were Louis Bamford and Alex Pennington. Ethan Matthews made his debut and impressed. That ball over the top to Ollie was sublime. Guy Bryant, making his debut, also showed that bit of bite needed at this level. Man-of-the-match for me was Alex, his workrate is improving by the game. Division Three is proving to be a very competitive league.

"As a side note, the ref and opposition both complimented us on how well our team played The ref spoke to the lads afterwards and praised their good conduct."