LAPFORD 2 - SPREYTON 3

SPREYTON’S double over our local rivals is complete, first Chagford and on Thursday, May 10 it was Lapford!

Easily the toughest game we have come up against this season and chances were coming thick and fast for Lapford as they were shooting downhill in the first half.

However, 20 minutes into the game Chris Down broke on the right-hand side of the box and managed to swing a right foot at the ball across goal for Liam Ward to come charging in to make it 1-0 to Spreyton.

Ten minutes later, after more Lapford pressure, Chris Down was away and lifted the ball over the defence to Liam Ward who was dragged down in the box for a penalty.

Chris Down steps up and it’s a goal to make it 2-0 to Spreyton and Chris’ 41st of the season.

The pressure was slightly less tense for Spreyton for the remainder of the first half.

The second half started with Lapford on top as they were shooting uphill until the ball broke over the top for Matt Baker to chase. He clocks Chris Down charging in the box and places a lovely ball across to him to finish superbly first time to make it 3-0.

At this point Lapford knew they needed something more and they got that with all the pressure going their way. Towards the tail end of the game they managed to get one back to bring it to 3-1 with 15 minutes to go.

Very nervous times for the Spreys as Mark Baitup decided to make some tactical changes. With 10 minutes to go Lapford made it 3-2 with a defensive error from a corner failing to clear our lines for Lapford to capitalise on.

In the dying moments there was a penalty shout for Lapford which went the opposite way for diving. Five minutes to go and it was end-to-end and Lapford pushed and pushed but were unlucky on the night! An epic game of football and an epic battle for the Spreys!

Incredible togetherness from the lads from the back four right through to the subs that made the impact, valuable points and our 11th win on the trot!

Man of the match for Spreyton was Mike Hows.

Matt Baker