vs North End Astros

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Jeff Udoh
RB: Trevor Marsh
CB: Andy Norbury
CB: David Brooks
LB: Nick Hurd
CM: Stevie Hall
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Jason Williams
LM: Terry Hall
CF: Shaun Murphy
CF: Matt Knights
Subs: Dan Fisk

These two teams had already met twice this season, once in the league and once in the cup, both games finishing 4-1, a win a piece, so today would be the decider. The Devy had a lot of people missing again but started with a very strong first eleven, the Christmas party was to follow todays game so a win would start the ball rolling…

The Devonshire Arms were enjoying the early possession, Jason and Terry were getting forward well on the wings and creating chances, Smurf saw a shot go just wide from a chance where he really should have done better.

A succession of throws on the left all taken by Nick were creating chances, working his way up the pitch gradually, it was one of these throws that lead to the first goal, a long throw by Nick fell to Matty who played it across goal, Jason took two defenders away by making a run and Smurf had a clear shot at goal, he wrong footed the keeper to put the Devy into the lead. 1-0 Devonshire Arms.

Astros heads were beginning to drop and the Devy were going for a bigger lead, Richie had a great run through the middle, it seemed though in the end he had too much time, he couldn’t decide whether to shoot or pass and in the end the ball found it’s way to the keeper, Smurf had another good chance after good hold up play by Matty.

Astros weren’t without there opportunities, a corner lead to a fierce shot across goal and Jeff produced a world class save, diving to his left and palming the ball wide. Astros best chance of the match so far fell to their right winger, a low ball in from the right saw Brooksys attempted clearance fall to the winger and he blasted wide from five yards out, a wasted chance.

Half time

A good chat from Steve saw the Devy come out for the second half in high spirits, they were going to try and build on their advantage. Stevie and Richie were by now bossing the midfield, some great challenges from Stevie had been the difference in the middle so far.

The Devy really had their heads up now, a long ball from Trevor down the right fell to Jason who crossed the ball on and Smurf hit a shot first time, a great volley into the top corner, great play by all involved. 2-0 Devonshire Arms.

A much need goal could maybe put the Devy nerves at rest, this had been a close game up until now but the Devy were now on top. Soon after going two up Trevor went in for a crunching challenge and unfortunately had to go off with what later proved to be a broken ankle, the curse of the Devy right back had struck again, he will not return for some months. Dan replaced him and went onto the right wing, Jason moved into the right back position.

Astros were now starting to push more, Andy and Brooks were constantly heading the ball away and Jeff was starting to get his gloves warm. Nick and J were also very busy and were being tested constantly, up front Matty was in the wars, twice receiving hefty blows to the face, bur despite his obvious injuries he played on.

The Astros were soon to be given a life line, some indecision at the back let the Astros back in, a well taken finish in the end. 2-1 Devonshire Arms.

With time running out the defence were completely under it, Dan and Terry were playing very deep and all the back line were really feeling the pressure, Terry had a late chance but his powerful drive went straight to the keeper.

Astros were still pushing late on but time had run out, some great defending by the whole team had been the difference in the end, in previous matches the Devy may have crumbled but today was different, a new resilience was sweeping through the team and surely things were looking up for 2008, now onwards and upwards, to the pub, go Devy go!

Final Score – Devonshire Arms 2 – 1 North End Astros

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