SPREYTON 6 - CHERITON FITZPAINE 0

SPREYTON FC’s fixture against Cheriton Fitzpaine on Saturday, March 30 was probably one of the standout performances of the season for the men in red.

Missing crucial players who are normally some of the first names on the team sheet, Spreyton really stepped up to keep the title hopes alive.

With two strikers and our No 10 missing a big scoreline was not expected. Owen Gregory was rushed back from injury a week earlier than we intended to ensure the Sprey’s had at least one big hitter up top.

Only 10 minutes into the game a Jamie Hatch throw in met the head of Steve Kinsey who had his goal disallowed for an apparent push in the back of a defender.

The lads had settled into the game really early and started to move the ball around and really looked like a team who meant business.

Thirty minutes in and Jamie Hatch was taken out in the box, penalty awarded. With Chris Down away on holiday it was nephew Owen Gregory stepping up. At only 17 years-of-age he had nerves of steel to not only put it in the back of the net once, but twice after players had impeded the box before the ball was struck. 1-0 and a goal for the home side!

Only two minutes later Owen dribbled past two defenders with great footwork and flashed a shot across the face of goal which strike partner Ben Angel just couldn’t quite reach.

The next 10 minutes or so saw a few more opportunities coming the Sprey’s way.

James Turner went on a terrific run from right-wing-back beating a good five men to get a shot off with his weaker foot that flashed over the bar. JT clearly relishing the extra freedom out wide the past couple of games.

Cheriton had a few chances to get at the Sprey’s defence in this period but there always seemed to be one last man clearing everything up. Saturday’s back three were working superbly as a unit.

On the stroke of half-time Hatchy unleashed a 30-yard ball for Ben Angel to latch onto and have his shot parried by the ‘keeper for Owen to follow up, 2-0.

Half-time now, the gaffer and captain only had praise for the lads who had played a faultless and very solid half. Although more was expected and a clean sheet was demanded keeping the lads on their toes.

Fifty minutes into the game Owen scuffed a chance after beating three players with ease. A couple of minutes later Kinsey found the ball at his feet in the box to blast home with precision, increasing the scoreline to 3-0.

The game had barely restarted and Ko King decided he wanted a bit of the action unleashing a good 30-yard rocket into the back of the net. The lad doesn’t score often but when he does they are usually pretty special, 4-0.

On 65 minutes Ben Angel hit the post for Owen to follow up for his hat-trick making it 5-0.

All three subs were made in quick succession allowing the oncoming lads to get some decent game time.

Jamie Hatch replaced by Matt Burt; James Turner replaced by Adam Lawson and Owen Gregory replaced by Brad Lovatt.

A little shuffle around saw Brad play in the middle of the park, pushing Ko back into the middle of defence and allowing captain Will Hawking to go up top which the big man was more than keen to do.

With 80 minutes now gone, Hawks and Lawson were both chasing the same ball. Hawks peeled off allowing Lawson to pick the ball up and strike to the far post with the ball skimming past a sliding Hawks and Quinton Smith clattering into the post. How this one never ended up in the back of the net nobody knows?

A couple of minutes later Lawson played a delightful cross into Quinny who took a touch and blasted over the bar.

With 86 minutes now gone and Quinny plays a ball across the face of goal for Ben Angel to turn home a well-deserved goal, after putting in a hell of a shift all game and being denied at earlier opportunities.

Hawks was making a real nuisance of himself up top and everybody was convinced he was going to score.

On 90 minutes, Hawks closest chance came when he blasted a shot that ricocheted off the ‘keepers head, hitting the outside of the post and gaining a corner. Very unfortunate but also proving how comfortable he is at either end of the pitch.

Full-time and the Spreys secured a very convincing 6-0 victory. A well-deserved clap off the field was given.

Man Of The Match was no easy choice with everybody putting in huge performances. Playing out of his skin for some time now and only just missing out very recently it was awarded to James Turner.

Although not the busiest of matches at the back it was still a clean sheet for ‘keeper Chris Gunn-Hawking whose kicking and composure when playing across the back line was tremendous.

A mention also for the back line of Lee Coleman, Dan Hine and Will Hawking (later to be replaced by the equally adequate Ko King) who were fantastic letting nothing past them and being well-drilled and disciplined throughout.

The Spreys next fixture will be on Tuesday, April 9 at Coach Road, Newton Abbott for the Devon Intermediate Cup Final against Coombe Martin.