By Dick Sturch

Millwey Rise 1sts 1, Bravehearts 1

Having gone down 5 – 0 just a fortnight ago to high flying Bravehearts and, again with several enforced changes through unavailability of established players, Millwey Rise entered the game with a lot of trepidation.

This quickly evaporated in the first ten minutes when, from the kick-off, they immediately took the game to the visitors. This nearly culminated in a goal but the Bravehearts keeper managed to untidily bundle the ball around the upright for a corner.

It was then Rise turn to be put under the cosh mid-way through the half when the visitor's had a quick succession of corners which were defended stoically before Millwey changed into attacking mode, once again putting their opponent's goal under threat

Unfortunately in the very dying minutes Bravehearts were awarded a free kick just outside the box and went into the lead from a wind assisted strike that gave Brett Garner, the Rise keeper, no chance.

The second period was a carbon copy of the first. Both teams attacking, both teams having to defend in depth.

Millwey introduced all their subs during the half. Jack Bennett, who replaced striker Luke Thurlow, came close to an equaliser with a shot which unfortunately went the wrong side of the post. There were very few threats by either side of further goals as defences remained on top for the remainder of the game.

For Millwey young Theo Salterstone in defence was outstanding and certainly man-of-the-match but he was ably supported by those around him who formed an obdurate barrier which the visitors failed to break through.

Next week Millwey 1sts welcome Awliscombe to at Cloakham in the Slee Cup (kick-off -45pm) and the 2nd X1 are away to Wessex Park Rangers.