Millwey Rise 1st X1 3, Culm Utd 1st X1 1

After the recent heavy rainfall the pitch was very heavy and the grass was a bit longer than it would be under normal conditions.

In a competitive game the main differences between the two teams was making scoring chances when they occurred and Millwey's in-form keeper Brett Garner.

Culm were a much changed side to the one Rise had beaten 5-0 earlier in the season and for 30 minutes probably had the better of the game culminating in an out-of-this- -world wonder save by Garner to keep them from taking the lead. How he got to the ball to turn it round the post only he knows.

This let off certainly put a bit of fire into Millwey's play and a header from young Owen Enticott denied him his first goal for the club when it was adjudged offside. A few minutes later Nathan Womersley coolly slotted home a penalty to give Rise the lead going into the break.

The second period began much like the first with no clear cut chances until Culm were awarded a penalty which was subsequently drilled over the bar.

From that point Rise again began pressing and when Alex Rockett was moved into the front line his shot from distance gave the Culm keeper no chance for Millwey's second.

Zak Meaker nearly produced a similar result with a shot from outside the box which skimmed the bar. The final goal was entirely due to the tenacity of young Joe Osborne when he came on as a substitute.

He refused to give up on a through ball by harassing the defender and the keeper before slipping the ball between them into the net. Culm got their consolation goal a minute before the final whistle when Garner was eventually beaten.

This was a good result for Rise after the long Christmas break.

Stuart King in the middle of their defence had an outstanding game. Nathan Hoole was prominent in midfield and the ever reliable Garner between the sticks was outstanding.

Next week Millwey Rise 1st X1 are away to Bravehearts 1st X1 at Willand while the 2nd X1 welcome Exeter Panthers to Cloakham. Both kick-off at 2.15pm.