Devon Football League: Elmore 2-4 Beer Albion 1st’s

Beer 1sts remain in second place in the Devon Football League behind Appledore, with an excellent 4-2 away win at Elmore, writes Dan Jeeves.

This was always going to be a stern test for the Fishermen, with the Eagles having moved down from Step 6 Peninsular League football at the end of last season.

Beer went 2-0 ahead through first half goals from Taylor Rooke and Charlie Ledger. Elmore then clawed two goals back in the second half to even things up, but the game took a dramatic turn with ten minutes remaining, when the Eagles had a player sent off for a second yellow card.

The Fishermen took full advantage of the extra man, with further goals from Taylor Rooke and brother Finlay, to seal a dramatic victory.

Next up, Beer 1sts are in Devon Premier Cup action this coming Saturday, with a 1st round home tie against Lee Moor FC from the Plymouth & West Devon League. Kick off is at the earlier time of 2pm, and match sponsor will be Hansfords Funeral Service.

Meanwhile, the Fishermen’s Reserves will head to Dartmoor, for a Division 2 League game at South Zeal United.

Beer Albion Reserves kicked off their season with a 1-0 win at home to Tiptop St. John in a hard-fought battle.

Beer started on the front foot with some hard pressing and could have gone one up in the opening minute after some good pressing from Max Richardson and Reece Best.

Beer continued to press in the opening stages with some high intensity attacking leaving Tipton struggling to get out of their own half. The Tipton keeper made some good saves and a few other chances missed as the game remained 0-0.

The deadlock was finally broken by birthday boy and captain, Chris Long. He danced in way past four challenges before shifting the ball onto his right foot and burying it into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

A goal that Beer had deserved. Andrew Foster made a superb goal line clearance late in the half and ensured Beer took a lead into half time.

The second half was a different proposition to the first for Beer. Tipton came out strongly with some early pressure which Beer had to deal with.

The defence remained solid, with Ashleigh Driver and Kieron Love putting in a good shift to ensure Tiptop did not level up matters.

The game finished 1-0, giving Beer an opening day victory in the league.