After their fine win against Heavitree the previous Saturday, Beer Albion came down to earth with a bang when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against lowly Willand Rovers Reserves, writes Richard Honour.

This was only Willand’s third league win of the season.

The Fishermen competed well enough but lacked a cutting edge up front and they missed striker James Melville who is still struggling with a hamstring problem.

The visitors took the lead through Martin Adkin, but Willand equalised just before half-time and scored the winner soon after the break.

Beer go into their last three league games with relegation now a real possibility if three teams go down from the Premier Division.

Their fight will not be helped by the suspension of Martin Adkin, who was dismissed towards the end for two yellow-card offences.

Beer Albion Reserves suffered a surprise defeat at home on Saturday, going down 1-0 to Silverton in D&E Division Six.

The Fishermen completely controlled the game from start to finish. They dominated possession but squandered chances.

The visitors, who never gave up, scored the winning goal five minutes from time.

For Beer, midfielder Adam Brewer and defenders Robert Adkin and Ollie Page all had good games, and substitute Pedro Fontes looked sharp after a long lay-off.

But the Fishermen will need to brush up their finishing to get anything out of Saturday’s home match with leaders Kentisbeare.

There was some compensation on Sunday when Beer Reserves won 2-1 away to Honiton Reserves in the Golesworthy Cup to set up a second round tie with local rivals Seaton Reserves at the Furzebrake this Sunday (April 19).

Beer’s scorers were Callum Gribble and Simon Smith.