By Richard Honnor

Devon Premier Cup 2nd Round

Newton Abbott Spurs 2nds 0, Beer Albion 1sts 3

Current Devon Premier trophy holders Beer Albion 1sts progressed to the third Round of the competition with a 3-0 win away at Newton Abbott Spurs 2nds on Saturday.   For all their dominance in possession, the Fishermen only held a slender 1-0 lead until the last five minutes when two late goals finally saw off their plucky goal opponents.

The Fishermen started well forcing Newton Abbott to concede a number of free kicks with over-eager challenges around the penalty area. Indeed the referee booked the home side's number 8 after just 14 minutes for persistent fouls. But Beer's set-piece play was below par throughout the match and they failed to capitalise on several good opportunities. 

Despite Beer's early dominance it was Newton Abbott who went closest to taking the lead on 17 minutes with a looping header from a corner which Fishermen's keeper Elliot Driver did very well to save above his head at full stretch. 

The superb, spacious playing surface suited Beer's game and they produced some attractive football with Jake Rowe, Finley Rooke and Charley Skilton prominent in midfield and Tony Pinder and Giles Basson providing plenty of movement up front. But at times the Fishermen were over-elaborate and that final clinical ball often proved elusive.

The Fishermen created their first good opportunity on 22 minutes when Rowe's strike from 20 yards was pushed round the post after a neat interchange of one-touch play in and around the box. Then on 26 minutes, a goal line clearance prevented Rooke from scoring after Basson had rounded the keeper and cut the ball back from the by-line. But the pressure continued to build and Beer eventually took the lead on 34 minutes when Basson jinked his way passed two defenders and his shot from 12 yards was deflected in by Tony Pinder.

After the break it was more of the same with Beer dominating possession but failing to convert their superiority into goals. When they did find the target, the Fishermen found the young Spurs keeper in fine form. 

Manager Mark Rooke brought on three substitutes for the last 30 minutes to freshen up his side. Conversely, Newton Abbott were reduced to ten men through injuries and a lack of substitutes. But the home side battled hard and began to test the Fishermen with long balls and were almost rewarded with an equaliser on 70 minutes after getting behind the Beer defence and creating a good chance from just 12 yards out. But keeper Driver rescued his side with a fine save low at his right-hand post.

With just four minutes remaining Beer at last "nailed" the result, going 2-0 ahead when substitute James Hill finished off a smart five-man passing move. Two minutes later Beer sealed the 3-0 victory when Charley Skilton capitalised on a goalkeeping error. 

This was a solid if somewhat uninspiring performance against a raw Spurs side who competed well to stay in the game. The Fishermen's defence looks particularly sound and they have yet to concede a goal this season. Top performers on the day for Beer were defenders George Harwood and Charley Ledger who were steady throughout, backed up by a faultless display from keeper Elliot Driver.

Next week, Beer 1st's will face their sternest Devon Football League challenge to date when they visit champions, University of Exeter 1sts. 

Devon and Exeter Division 1

Beer Albion 2nds 3-0 Lympstone 1sts 

Beer 2nds chalked up their 3rd league win of the season with a 3-0 win against Lympstone 1st's. 

After an uninspiring first half and strong words from managers Bond and Philips the Fishermen improved their game in the second half with some fine "pass-and-move" football and were rewarded with goals from Simon Smith (penalty), Alex Paget and Reece Best. 

Young goalkeeper Adam Clinch had a superb debut for the Fishermen and there were fine outfield performances from defenders Jack Prior and Ashley Driver, midfielder Simon Smith and striker Reece Best. Essentially though, this was a fine team effort.

Beer 2nds are again at home next Saturday to Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police 2nds in a 2nd Round Devon Senior Cup tie. The match day sponsor is Alyson Arbourne.