UPLYME 1sts' game was cancelled at short notice at the weekend, meaning the Reserves' away match to Merriott was the only game for the club.

"It gave me the opportunity to send a mixed squad and give the very young players a chance to benefit from a spine of experienced lads." said manager Steve Gillan.

The positive mix had immediate benefits as Uplyme controlled the game from the first minute against Merriott, a side that thumped them 11-1 the week before.

Cody Bowditch, in an attacking role, played a great through ball to Mikey Sayers who smacked it in to take the lead.

Bowditch  got the second and Uplyme were in complete control across the park. Mikey Sayers, Connor Tate and Fin Mclean were a formidable trio in the middle and Merriott had no answer to their tenacity and quality of passing.

Josh Lawrence and James Hansford were an excellent centre-back pairing and cut out every long ball that was pumped forward.

Into the second half, Daley Holmes came on and finished off a good move before Oli Alner bravely headed in the fourth and final goal.

Reflecting on the victory, Gillan said: ""The mix of the team was great, as was the work ethic and spirit. That simple spine of quality started with a great keeper Joe Cleere and we are still looking for that experience for our Reserves.

"Connor Tate has adapted to centre midfield brilliantly and worked so well with Mikey Sayers. Let's hope we can get a few vets in to bolster the quality of this squad."

Man-of-the-match went to Connor Tate for his overall input.