SDFL Division One

Babbacombe Corinthians 1,

Beesands Rovers 2

For most of the first half of this encounter, Beesands were given the runaround by their hosts, only spasmodically showing what they are capable of.

That said, for all their possession Corries only managed two shots on target, such was the excellent defending of Sean Raymont and Luke Broad.

The first clear-cut chance fell to Beesands when Gus Hayward put Lee Morgan through on goal, but under pressure from a defender his shot went wide.

Corries took a 17th-minute lead when a long diagonal pass, which initially looked to be overhit, was met well by the outstretched leg of their striker. The power of his shot took the ball over the line despite ‘keeper Toby Harvey getting a hand to it.

For the next 20 minutes Beesands just couldn’t get any tempo to their game; all they could do was work hard and bravely defend, but in the closing minutes of the half they started to show signs a revival.

Harvey got down well to save a shot from distance and from the resulting clearance Morgan was put clear by Finley Bullen. He was then tackled from behind in the area, with the referee deeming the tackle a fair one, to the frustration of Beesands.

Elliot Bellamy almost got on the end of a cross from Dave Harvey and with virtually the last kick of the half, Danny Tucker flashed ascot across the face of goal.

Strong but constructive words were needed at half time to which players can either respond or let their heads drop.

To their credit the Bee­sands players, to a man, all upped their game immensely. Tucker, Bellamy and James Hurt began to win the midfield battle and in doing so managed to get closer to their front three.

With Will Garner and Hayward linking up down the left it didn’t take long before the visitors were back level.

From a throw-in down the left, a Morgan cross was headed clear but only as far as Broad on the angle of the 18-yard box. He clipped the ball back into the area, where Tucker ghosted into the six-yard box and took the ball on his chest before sweetly rolling past the Corries’ ‘keeper.

Bullen was then inches away from a cross, Bellamy couldn’t quite get his shot through a crowded area and Morgan was harshly flagged offside with only the ‘keeper to beat.

With 20 minutes remaining Tom Harvey replaced Bullen as Beesands prepared to switch to a 4-4-2 formation, but from the next corner their comeback was complete.

With no one picking up his run, Broad met Hayward’s corner with a thumping header that was in the back of the net before any Corries players could react.

The home side sent on fresh legs but there was no way the visitors were going to give up the three points, holding a strong line with ‘keeper Harvey dominating his area.

The man-of-the-match award went to the inspirational Danny Tucker, who has the respect of all his younger team mates, leading by example with his work rate.

This Saturday Bee­sands make the trip to Chudleigh, kick-off 2.30pm. Supporters are encouraged to remember their money for the Grand National sweepstake.