SDFL

Premier Division

East Allington 2,

seconds 1

Allington left it late to secure the points in this game, but eventually got the crucial goal to earn victory.

Starting the brighter against their young opponents, who never stopped running, Allington created the better chances, with the visitors rarely troubling the Ally ‘keeper despite their effort.

Fred Massey had the the first opportunity for Ally, but after good initial control he lifted his shot over the bar from close in.

Another sweeping move soon after saw the Stoke ‘keeper save with his legs from a Ben Robey effort. With Allington piling the pressure on, the visiting ‘keeper made a better save from a Jamie Batchelor shot that was heading for the bottom corner, turning it around the post one-handed as the half ended scoreless.

The second half followed the same pattern; Andy Davis’s pass put in Tom Rowdon, his shot hit the post, an Robey’s follow-up was cleared off the line by a defender.

Full-back Jon Davis burst into the box after a good run but his well-hit shot flashed the wrong side of the post as the opening goal eluded the home side.

Just as sometimes happens, the visitors went up the other end and, with their only shot on target, took the lead.

With Allington pushing to get back into the game, the visitors broke away and nearly doubled their lead, only a good save ’keeper Matt Weeks denying them.

With 15 minutes to go and having already used their two fit substitutes, Ally lost defender Tom Harvey through injury.

It was decided to put on striker Simon Hannaford, who was not fully fit, a week ahead of schedule. It wasn’t long before a couple of half-chances came his way which when fully fit he may have done better with. However, he grew into the game and it wasn’t long before he burst away from his marker to set up Rowdon for the equaliser.

With the game moving into injury time, Hannaford was on hand to coolly slot home the winner. This week the first team are at home to Buckland Athletic reserves, kick-off 2pm, and the reserves play after against Teign Vaillage, kick-off 4pm.