With several key players unavailable through injuries and holidays and with just 11 players and no substitutes travelling, Beer Albion first team expected to be well beaten by Peninsular League Eastern Division outfit St. Martins in the Throgmorton Devon Premier Cup on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

However, the depleted Fishermen produced a magnificent display and in the end were disappointed to lose by the odd goal.

In truth, St Martins dominated possession, but Beer are renowned for reserving their best performances against strong opposition.

The home side’s winner did not arrive until just 17 minutes from the end! The Fishermen’s midfield duo of Alex Hunt and John Cooper were outstanding and the defence was well marshalled by centre backs Andrew Foster and Martin Adkin.

On Saturday (October 13) Beer are back in Macron League Premier Division action with another tough fixture away at second-placed Newtown, who won 2-0 when the sides met at the Furzebrake a couple of weeks ago.

However, the Fishermen will be looking to turn the tables after their heroics at St Martins.

? Read a Beer 2nd team report online at www.midweekherald.co.uk