vs North End Astros

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Jeff Udoh
RB: Mike Davis
CB: Andy Norbury
CB: David Brooks
LB: Trevor Marsh
CM: Isaac Okyere
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Jason Williams
LM: Terry Hall
CF: Shaun Murphy
CF: Steven Hall
Subs: Tom, Jonny Scotland

The Devy were still on somewhat of a high following their excellent start to the season, but they were under no illusions, North End Astros had just been promoted and having not played yet this season they were chomping at the bit to get underway, this was promising to be a much sterner threat than Roxton the week before...

The Devy almost made the worst start possible, the kick off was played back to Isaac who not only played the ball directly to an opposition player but then flattened one of his own team mates who was about to make a tackle, fortunately for the Devonshire Arms and Isaac the opposition blasted wide from the edge of the area, an early warning, one which unfortunately wasn’t learnt from.

Moments later the Astros pushed forwards again and a ball through the middle saw their striker through on goal, a powerful shot beat Jeff at his near post, a goal down after 2 minutes.. 1-0 Astros.

The Devonshire had made the worst possible start, was their good start to the season about to end?

Just moments after the first goal the Devy were back in it, a ball up the line by Mike to J saw him put in a good cross, the keeper came off his line and made an attempt to grab the ball, but all he achieved in doing was putting it right on Smurfs right foot, an open goal, surely he would score, and he did, the Devonshire Arms were right back in it… 1-1

The Devy had woken up and were playing some good football, Richie and Isaac were again battling well in the middle and Brooks and Andy were winning every header at the back. They were also pushing forward well and creating chances, J had a great chance to put the Devy 2-1 up, but he saw his shot spin agonisingly wide with the goal at his mercy.

A succession of Astros corners saw Jeff put under pressure in the goal but he coped with the pressure well, almost taking Andys head off with one punch clear. The Devy then pushed forward themselves, some good play by Trevor and Terry saw the ball fall to Smurf, he was well outside the area but struck his shot first time, the ball looped over the keeper into the far corner, a great strike. 2-1 Devonshire Arms.

Half time

The Devonshire Arms were looking to build on there 1 goal lead, they were aware that the Astros would come out strong this half, where as the Devy were going to shoot on sight, as the Astros keeper didn’t seem too confident with the ball.

It didn’t take long for the Devy to find their form again, Smurf was doing some excellent running, creating space all over the pitch, Stevie, Terry and J were finding him with some excellent passes and it surely wouldn’t take long for him to seal his hat trick.

Johnny was bought on for Isaac, who had to work, Mike moved up front and Stevie came back into midfield.

Surprisingly the Astros switched to a 4-5-1 formation, giving the defence less to do, Brooks was marking the only striker leaving Andy to sweep everything up, Trevor and Johnny were tackling well and following the wingers all over the pitch, there was a good team spirit about the Devy today.

Devy were playing some excellent football, Richie and Stevie were very aggressive in the middle. The Astros were playing a very high line, which was dangerous considering the pace the Devonshire possessed up front, and this was to be there downfall, a clearance from the back saw Stevie beat the off side trap and run through on goal, he was one on one with the keeper, he calmly sent the keeper the wrong way and slotted it in the net, his second of the season. 3-1 Devonshire Arms.

A great team performance today against a team who looked more impressive in their warm up than they did in the match, Jeff had very little to do second half and the defence were rarely troubled. Terry and J were tracking back down the wings regularly and supporting the full backs with some good tackling, which on one occasion earned J a yellow card for a bad challenge on the speedy Astros winger.

A succession of corners for the Devonshire Arms saw Mike have a header cleared off the line, and Terry have a shot blocked. It was soon after this that the Devonshire increased their advantage, Smurf was played through by Mike's great defence splitting pass, he took the ball round the on rushing keeper, managed to stay on his feet and had the difficult task of putting the ball into an open net, Smurfs 3rd and the Devonshires 4th, fully deserved. 4-1 Devonshire Arms.

The Astros offered very little in attack throughout the 2nd half, the closest they came to scoring was a powerful shot from 30 yards which warmed Jeffs hands and came back off the cross bar, Tom was bought on for Mike late on. It was going to be the Devys day, another excellent performance by all involved.

Final Score - Devonshire Arms 4 – 1 North End Astros

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