vs Marston Reds (H)

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: James Matthews
RB: Johnny Scotland
CB: Stevie Hall
CB: David Brooks
LB: Nick Hurd
CM: Terry Hall
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Trevor Marsh
LM: Dan Fisk
CF: Jason Williams
CF: Matthew Knights
Subs: Jonathan Gibson

After a two week lay off the Devy had plenty of time to rest those injuries and have a well deserved break, but it was back to business today, a tough game against a much improved Marston side, they had produced some great results recently and with the Devy going in the wrong direction this was indeed a stern test.

The team had a different look at the back today, James was an emergency keeper and was hoping to impress, he would definatly have his work cut out, Marston were averaging 7 goals a game recently and this game would need battling performances from all 11 players to take any points.

The Devonshire started well enough but it was Marston who were having the majority of the possession, but they were restricted to a few long range shots, the defence were being given the run around but were coping, a good move in midfield saw the ball played through to the Marston striker, James came off his line and smothered the ball, however the Marston striker still slid in, studs showing and connecting with his knee on James' head, fortunately James was ok but it was a tough challenge which angered the defence, the ref decided to take no action.

The Devy were restricted to a couple of long range efforts in the first half, a good strike by Terry going just wide. There best chance however fell to Dan, the keeper threw the ball out to the Marston left back, Jason chased him down dispossesing him, ran down the wing crossing a ball in towards the far post, the ball eluded everyone except for Dan who struck his shot goalward but it rolled just wide, these were the chances that had to be taken if the Devy were to take anything.

Marston pressed again towards the end of the half, a good cross in from the left saw Johnny and the striker challenging for the same ball, they clashed heads, it looked nasty, Johnny was down, first aid was given to treat Johnnys head wound, he seemed ok but would later have to visit A&E to receive stitches.

The Devy had played well in the first half, restricting Marston to a handful of chances and also making a couple themselves, the back line of Nick, Brooksy, Stevie and Johnny were defending well and James was really impressing in goal.

Half Time

At half time Trevor was removed, he'd broken his ankle 7 weeks ago and although he thought it was ok he'd possibly made his return too soon, he left the pitch and Jonathan 'Jimmy' Gibson came on for his full debut. Jason moved to right wing and 'Jimmy', making his debut, went straight up front.

Marston leapt straight out of the blocks, looking to get an early goal, the Devy players weren't quite up to speed at the start of the half, Richie and Terry were tackling hard but the ball was coming into the box far too much, James made a number of good saves to keep the scores level. Johnny who was playing on despite obvious discomfort was moved into right midfield in order to protect his head, Jason moved into the right back position.

Marston continued to press they were getting closer to breaking the deadlock, a few close range shots going just wide and the defence were showing signs of breaking, but the important thing was the score, while it was still 0-0 the Devy could always nick a goal on the break, and that's exactly what they did, a good run through the middle saw an initial shot blocked but we managed to regain possession and put a good ball over to the back post, Dan was there, could he score making amends for his first half miss? YES!!! A well taken side foot into a gaping net, excellent play from all involved. 1-0 Devonshire Arms.

The Devy were really up for this now, they may have not had the most possession but they had the most goals, there were leaders all over the pitch, good shouting and encouragement was forthcoming, tackles were going in stronger than ever, this was an excellent battling performance and with 25 minutes left there was still a lot of work to be done. The Devy were making some good runs up front, Matty was starting to win more balls in the air and it was looking like the Devy would not only hold on but maybe increase their lead.

But they let Marston back into the match and it was their own fault, a dangerous ball bobbled across the box, Stevie lost the ball under pressure and the striker managed to get a shot away, the ball went over Brooksys diving leg and under James' diving arm, it was a lucky effort but went in, just, but they all count. 1-1.

Marston had clawed their way back into the game, to be honest over the course of the game they probably deserved it, but the Devy had battled so hard and it felt like a kick in the teeth. The last 10 minutes saw a lot of Marston pressure, a string of corners created chances but there best effort was averted after a great clearing header from Richie.

The match would end all square, one a piece, upon reflection a fair result, and we would have taken that at the start, but it felt like 1 point lost, as oppose to one point gained. Some great performances today all over the pitch, players battling thought injury and an excellent debut by James in goal, a good result, bring on the Gloucester!!!

Final Score - Devonshire Arms 1 -1 Marston Reds

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