By Richard Honnor

Devon Football League North and East Division

Beer Albion 1st's 1-0 Thorverton

In front of a crowd of 110, Beer Albion 1st's made it two DFL wins from two starts defeating Thorverton 1-0 at the Furzebrake on Saturday. It was a closely-contested game with a 22nd minute Tony Pinder penalty proving just enough on the day to secure the 3 points for the Fishermen.

After slow starts in their previous games this season, Beer were quick out of the blocks twice splitting open Thorverton's defence within the first 10 minutes but first Taylor Rooke and then Jake Rowe failed to convert good chances.

The Fishermen deservedly took the lead on 22 minutes. Giles Basson picked up a cross-field pass from Finley Rooke on the edge of the penalty box and jinked his way past three tackles before inducing a foul. Referee Fullam had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Pinder coolly slotted home the spot kick.

Beer were enjoying their best period of the game with the Rooke brothers and Jacob Rowe prominent in Beer's attacking play. Pinder almost notched his second goal at the near post after fine work by Cody Bowditch and Finley Rooke down the left flank. With Bowditch prominent, the Fishermen's main threat continued to come from the left wing and a couple more opportunities were created but were dealt with comfortably by the Thorverton keeper. 

Unable to add to their narrow lead, the young Beer side showed signs of frustration as half time approached and Thorverton came back into the game putting together some neat football. Beer's defence was tested with some astute passing inside the wing backs but the visitor's final touch let them down on a number of occasions. 

After an intriguing first half, play became more disjointed. Both sides became increasingly frustrated when refereeing decisions did not go their way. Referee Fulham ought to have been firmer in dealing with players protestations earlier in the game. Yellow cards only became prominent in the last 20 minutes with sin-binnings for Beer's Taylor Rooke and a Thorverton midfielder late in the game.

The Fishermen now had to dig deep defensively as Thorverton took the game to the home side. The visitors had two good chances to equalise after getting behind the Beer defence, one of which went narrowly wide and the other forcing a good save from Elliot Driver. But,in fairness, Beer went desperately close themselves on a couple of occasions, first when Pinder's header hit the post from a corner and then after good work by Pinder and Basson set up a chance which was cleared off the goal line.

Although the football in the second period was not pretty, Beer had to show a steely determination to cling on to their lead. They were thoroughly tested defensively by a good side but came through with their third clean sheet of the season. 

Individually, midfielder Kieran Smith shone for Thorverton and Taylor Rooke put in his customary tireless shift for Beer. But Sponsor Fred Hansford Carpets' man-of-the-match was Beer wing-back Cody Bowditch.

Next Saturday, Beer 1st's resume their defence of the Sportslighting Devon Premier Cup with a second round tie away at Newton Abbott Spurs 2nds. 

Beer Albion 2nds produced a fine away performance to earn their 2nd league win of the season winning 1-0 at Bow Amateur Athletic Club. The victory was built on a a foundation of working hard defensively, pressing high and wining the one-one battles across the pitch. 

The winning goal came from Harry Lawrence on 40 minutes with a superb finish from great through ball from Alex Paget.

Both teams had chances to win the match but the Fishermen's defence held firm. Keeper Shaun Denslow had an excellent game in goal and midfield veteran Alex Paget put in a great shift. 

Next week, Beer 2nd's are at home to Lympstone 1st's in Devon and Exeter Division 1. Kick off is at 3pm at the match sponsor is Clinton Devon Estates.