Devonshire Arms News...

After several poor performances, the Devvy won a hard fought match in the mud and rain to beat North End Astros 2-1. With several key members of the squad returning the Devvy looked a lot better going forward, a lot tighter at the back and a huge effort by everyone involved saw us finally return to winning ways. Match report now below...

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LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT!
Unfortunately Star Clapham have been expelled from the league due to non-fulfilment of matches. This means are 5-0 victory over them will be wiped off our league record.

Next Game...

D&V Millward Cup (Round 2). Meeting time and place TBC.
Kick-off 10.30am

Let Brooksy know asap if you are NOT available.

Training

We have now confirmed the booking of the Bunyan Centre every Tuesday night between 8pm-9pm. Cost each is £2.50-£3 a session. Please make every effort to turn up as we are paying on a week-to-week basis. Click here for map

vs North End Astros (A)

After a recent dip in form the mighty Devonshire Arms came up against the third team below them in the league in as many games. With defeats in the two previous games this match was becoming a must win.

With the rain steadily coming down and the pitch becoming increasingly muddy in places, conditions were perfect for a good old fashioned Sunday League game.

The game started brightly enough, both teams looking fairly even in quality. Russell was again called upon to keep goal and Little J moved back into his favoured right midfield role as both Nicks played in their fullback positions. Little J seemed to be getting some joy down the right as well. A few runs down the right nearly proved profitable but for some poor finishing and good defending.

The Devvy claimed the first blow however, when a corner was swept in and a good header down from Simon resulted in Mike Cook to score his first goal for the club in only his second appearance. His cushioned shot beating a crowd of players to make it North End Astros 0-1 Devonshire Arms.

The Devvy could have increased their lead but for chances missed, Dan being the main culprit. It was then nearly the perfect half as some good Devvy play saw Little J cross from the right only for the on-rushing Tiny J to miss making contact, with what would have been a certain goal, by a matter of inches. Straight after the ref blew his whistle to end an entertaining first half.

Half-Time: North End Astros 0 - 1 Devonshire Arms FC

At half-time Tiny J was substituted for Sam who replaced him upfront. It was a good performance from Tiny J, probably his best in a Devvy shirt and he was unlucky to come off.

The half started scrappily and North End finally started to put some pressure on, as they looked for an equaliser. The conditions were getting worse as well as the central areas of the pitch were starting to get extremely muddy. Balls over the top were causing the Devvy some problems and Russell had to be quick off his line time and again to sweep up the danger.

The pressure finally told when the Devvy failed to hold the ball upfront which in turn lead to a direct attack from North End, slicing the midfield and defence open with a simple pass, that fell to their striker who made no mistake in tucking the ball away to make it 1-1. North End Astros 1 - 1 Devonshire Arms FC

The Devvy now had a battle on their hands. The game became more open but the Devvy continued to make the better chances, Dan again off target. Little J then had two great chances to restore the lead, once hitting the bar after the keeper somehow managed to get fingertips to it, the other he probably had more time but another decent save from the keeper saw him parry his shot.

The Devvy looked like they were going to regret these missed chances but with 10 minutes remaining Dan finally bagged a winner. Good play between Sam and Little J saw J storm down the right, crossing low across the goal for Dan to score a simple tap in. Relief for the Devvy, they had battled hard for this and they deserved the lead. North End Astros 1 - 2 Devonshire Arms FC

Things then turned a little bit nasty when a North End midfielder took offence to some 'close attention' from Little J. J came away with the ball but with the player still taking swipes at him. J retaliated with a kick of his own and then a bit of handbags resulted in a few 'exchanges of opinions'. Things were soon calmed down and Devvy held out for a crucial win. It was a battle out there. A proper football match, and a most enjoyable one at that.

Full time: North End Astros 1 - 2 Devonshire Arms FC

Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Russell Bolytrk
RB: Nick Hurd
CB: Mike Davis
CB: David Brooks
LB: Nick Webb
CM: Mike Cook
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Jason Williams
LM: Simon Hall
CF: Jason Stonebridge
CF: Dan Fisk
Subs used: Sam Queeley

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