Uplyme 1sts travelled to Elmore 3rds on the back of a run of defeats and looking to turn the tide on their luck.

The home side had a very experienced starting 11 and knew exactly what style of play would suit their large pitch: the route one from their back four. Initially, The Swallows adapted well to the long ball and responded with some good football, but a very tacky surface made it hard.

No goals at half time and the second half started badly with an Elmore long punt causing confusion between centre backs and goalkeeper, allowing the number 9 to poke home.

Facing another loss, Uplyme dug deep and scored two quick goals, one through a sharp Joe Urquhart volley from a Fin Mclean free kick, and then via a Jonnie Harris penalty, who had to score it twice after the referee deemed the goalkeeper had moved!

Uplyme couldn't quite hold on under the long balls and late in the half Elmore equalised. There was very late drama as the referee inexplicably judged the Uplyme defender had made a pass-back, even though it was clear to everyone else it was not the case. Luckily, the defence held and the whistle blew for full time.

"I thought we could hold on," said manager Steve Gillan. "We deserved at least a point and our young players, once again, went toe to toe with a very experienced team who wanted to dominate through their physicality and direct tactics on their home pitch.

"The referee was being assessed, today, so I'd love to read those notes after some of his decisions. But we'll take a point and look ahead to a great game against top of the table (East Budleigh 2nds) next Saturday."