Dick Sturch reporting from Tiger Way

Axminster Reserves 2, Millwey Rise 1sts 0

Millwey Risewent into this game knowing they would have to be at their best to come away with any points. Perhaps one could say they showed their opponents a bit too much respect but that would be nit-picking on what proved to be a typical, entertaining local derby.

Axminster started on the front foot playing good joined up football and their initial pressure produced two corners in quick succession.

Unfortunately blocking the shot which produced the second corner Rise star defender Leigh Beer was injured and could take no further part in the game.He was replaced by sub Sam Wadden.

Millwey's defence came under a spell of constant pressure which caused no real concern until Axe were given a free kick just outside the area which came to nothing.

Twenty minutes in Millwey were awarded a free kick and from 25 yards Sam Dibling grazed the home side cross bar.

Axe scored a scrambled goal after 25 minutes which was of Rise's own making when they failed to clear and in the ensuing scrum the ball was toe-poked past keeper Nathan Hoole.

A few minutes later a long-range effort proved tricky for the Axe gloveman and there were one or two belated shouts that in fact he took it over the goaline.

In the final minutes of the half Millwey were again under the cosh and but for one or two timely tackles by Alex Rocket would have gone further behind.

The second period began with both defences cancelling out any attacks. Axe did have the ball in the net but the linesman signalled offside and after a discussion the referee upheld the decision.

Fifteen minutes in and the Rise defence again came under constant pressure but refused to concede any ground. Keeper Nathan Hoole made a series of outstanding blocks crowned by a fantastic double save to deny the home side.

Unfortunately a great tackle from a Millwey defender which actually stole the ball off the attacking forward's toe was adjudged a penalty. Despite many appeals the penalty stood and Axe increased their lead.

Again lady luck deserted Rise when a Tommy Bastin shot hit the inside of the post and flashed back across the goal-line without crossing it. In the final minutes tempers got a bit frayed resulting in a red card being shown to an Axminster player and yellows for Millwey's Dibling and Wadden.

For the numerous spectators of both sides it provided excellent entertainment. There were Millwey stars all round the pitch but especially the uncompromising defender Alex Rocket and man-of-the-match keeper Nathan Hoole for a series outstanding saves.

Millwey Rise Reserves 3, Ottery St Mary 3rds 2

Millwey went two goals down before Mark Pike pulled one back before the break. The highlight of the second period was a fantastic equaliser from Millwey's Jack Bennett. In the final minutes Sam Burke tapped the ball into the net for the winning goal.

Manager Terry Male refused to select a man-of-the-match, saying: "The whole team deserved it."

Next week Millwey 1sts welcome Exeter Utd 1st to Cloakham. Millwey Reserves are away at Dawlish Utd 3rds Both games kick-off 3pm.