Herald Cup

Loddiswell Athletic 3,

Barton Athletic 1

After a disappointing away draw against Brixham, Loddiswell’s management duo, Mark Stockwell-Weeks and Edd Roberts, were looking for a much-improved performance against Barton FC in the Herald Cup.

Loddiswell gave a starting to place to 17-year-old Robbie Ball­amy, who impressed during the Brixham draw. The line-up also saw Dan Wellard lead the attack and Salva Correll return from suspension to strengthen the defence.

The match started like a real cup match, with the lower league opposition quick out of the blocks although failing to create chan­ces.

Loddiswell settled down after the first 10 minutes and started to show their dominance with slick passing moves and controlled possession. The break through came midway through the first half, with Lee Hammett sco­ring from close range.

The second soon followed as a superbly distributed pass from ‘keeper Simon Tapper found Jose Prichard racing clear to nearly lob the onrushing ’keeper.

Loddiswell started to relax and play football, but were stunned to concede a very poor goal from a corner on the stroke of half time.

The second half started much like the first with the away side gaining belief from their goal.

Loddiswell continued to play their football and midway through the second half finally distanced themselves from their opposition as a near-post strike from Lee Ham­mett crept under the away side’s ‘keeper.

Loddiswell dominated the final 20 minutes of the match and should have at least doubled the final score.

The result sees Lod­diswell continue their march towards cup success with the management team now challenging their side to win silverware this season.