vs Marston Reds

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Steve Howe
RB: Johnny Scotland
CB: Terry Hall
CB: David Brooks
LB: Trevor Marsh
CM: Isaac Okyere
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Jason Williams
LM: Mike Davis
CF: Shaun Murphy
CF: Steven Hall
Subs: Tom Quinn, Dan Fisk, Jeff Udoh, Matthew Knights, Nat

This was a clash between two teams that had not met before, Devonshire were sitting mid table with two wins and two losses, in contrast Marston were floundering at the bottom of the division, with only one draw from four games played, but Marston would surely be buoyed on by the support of the home crowd, this was going to be no pushover for either side...

Devy were fielding one of their strongest teams so far this season, with only Andy and Nick missing Terry was filling in at centre back and Mike started on the left wing.

The game started brightly enough for both sides, with chances being created at either end early on, Brooks winning a header from a corner but directing it straight at the keeper, and Marston forcing some urgent defending from Trevor and Terry at the other end...

However, despite Devys early possession it was Marston who would make the breakthrough, a corner swung in rattled around in the box and was cleared by Terry, but the low ball back in from the right was a dangerous one across goal, Trevor got a touch on it but unfortunately it ended up in his own net, Trevor was not to blame, the defence as a whole must put their hands up to this one... 1-0 Marston

Marston were not playing like a team that were bottom of the league, they were bossing the midfield and had two lively strikers up front who were making a real nuisance of themselves, but the Devy hadn't given up the fight yet, a good move on the left involving Smurf and Johnny saw the ball fall to J just outside the box, he tried to beat his marker but the defender got his boot to it and blasted it clear, the ball smashed against Jason's right boot and ricocheted violently into the net, a fortunate goal for the Devy but they had been starved of good luck all season, about time something swung their way, 1-1.

The sides were now level again, but almost immediately the deadlock was broken, a ball through the centre by Marston saw Terry hesitate in defence, he was robbed of possession and the ball was struck powerfully towards goal, Steve got a hand on it but could not divert it away, almost as soon as the Devonshire players had got back into this game they were behind again, they only had themselves to blame, 2-1 Marston.

Marston weren't finished with the chances yet, as they were seeming to boss the midfield Devy got fortunate, a long range shot that looked goal bound cannoned back off the post with keeper and defence beaten, would this be the wake up call that the Devy needed? Richie and Isaac were being over run in the middle, few chances were falling to Stevie or Smurf and the wingers Mike and J were making little impression, things would have to change for the second half.

Half time

After a rousing team talk by Steve Williams the team were up for the second half, changes were made, Terry was pushing out on the right and Mike was dropping back, Stevie and Isaac also swapped roles to give us more "steel" in the centre of the park.

The change almost paid instant dividends, Stevie put Smurf through and he had one defender to beat, he took a powerful shot which went wide, a good move. Terry was given a free role out on the right and he created a great opportunity for himself, picking up the ball in his own half after a pass from Trevor he went on a mazy run, beating 4 players before scuffing his shot wide, a good run but the shot let him down somewhat. This was the story of the Devy's game, good build up work but no end product.

Marston were also creating chances but were not increasing their lead, a looping ball almost beat Steve in goal, with the ball bouncing over his head and trickling just wide, a lucky escape. Substitutions were made by the Devy, Dan coming on for Isaac and Jeff coming on for an injured Terry.

The Devy weren't finished with their chances, J broke into the box and fired wide, however this was to be their last chance, Marston caught Devonshire on the break and their tall ginger midfielder found himself one on one with Steve, no mistakes here, Marston's finishing had been the difference between the two sides today, 3-1 Marston.

A poor performance by the Devy, they must regain their goal scoring touch, and soon...

Final Score - Devonshire Arms 1 - 3 Marston Reds

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