vs Caldecote Young Boys

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Simon Testro
RB: Nathan King
CB: Trevor Marsh
CB: David Brooks
LB: Nick Hurd
CM: Stevie Hall
CM: Terry Hall
RM: Brad
LM: Dan Fisk
CF: Jeff Udoh
CF: Matt Knights
Subs: None

This game was anticipated by many, just three weeks after the teams last met and it ended 3-3 on that day, but this time the match was in Caldecotte, would the home crowd make a difference?

The Devy were weak today, with many players letting the team down they had no substitutes at all, not even a linesman, so let's hope everyone could stay fit and complete 90 minutes.

The weather was horrendous, many players stating that these conditions were the worst they had ever played in, hail, gale force winds and rain, all contributed to terrible conditions, but it was the same for both teams so it could prove to be a real leveler.

Neither team started well as it was difficult to get a foot on the ball, at times it was difficult to even see the ball, but despite this it was the Devy who made the early breakthrough, a long ball forward held up in the wind, Jeff and the goal keeper went for it and Jeff was bundled to the floor, PENALTY, in the absence of Richie Stevie stepped up to the spot, he looked calm and confident, and sure enough sent the keeper the wrong way, well taken. 1-0 Devonshire Arms.

The Devy were kicking into the wind this half and were glad to go ahead, due to the conditions there were very few chances, the defence were well up against it, Nathan and Brad had a lot of the ball on the right and were coping well.

One of the few Caldecotte attacks forced Stevie into a challenge on the edge of the area, Stevie was then booked for his reaction, the free kick was launched into the area, Brooks won the header but it fell to the foot of the Caldecotte striker who slotted it past Shrek in the goal. 1-1.

Half time

The teams were both treated to hot tea at half time in the changing room, most could only just hold the cup let alone drink, but we were all out again for the second half, hoping to regain our lead.

The surface was making tackling risky, wet and muddy there were challenges flying in all over, Stevie and Terry were getting stuck in well in midfield with some strong tackles, although ironically it was one of the weaker challenges that would see the Devy reduced to ten men, Stevie challenged for a 50/50 ball and won it, the ref saw it as a foul however, red card, things weren't going to be easy.

The Devy also had to contend with injuries to Nathan and Terry, but with no subs both were forced to carry on, but unfortunately they couldn't stop the Devy going behind, 2-1 Caldecotte.

The conditions were not getting any better, and the Devy let in two more goals in quick succession. Caldecotte 4-1

Towards the end the Devy were reduced to nine men, Nathan had to go off injured, Caldecotte then got a fifth goal late on. Caldecotte 5-1.

The defeat today wasn't due to any of the eleven players that played as they all gave 100% and were a credit to perform in such conditions, with a couple of subs maybe we could have put on a better display.

Final Score - Caldecotte Young Boys 5 -1 Devonshire Arms

To report a correction of information or to send any comments or reports please email info@devonshirearmsfc.co.uk