Beer Albion’s poor home form continued when they were beaten 2-0 by Heavitree at a windswept Furzebrake on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

Due to both regular keepers being unavailable, Shaun Denslow, who usually plays at full-back, had to play in goal and Beer yet again fielded a makeshift team due to the unavailability of key players and the recent loss of Seth Wakely who has returned to Seaton!

No criticism can be made of the Beer players on the day as they put up a spirited performance but the side lacks a cutting edge (just 12 goals this season) and needs another midfield player who can link up the play.

With the strong gale blowing straight down the pitch both sides found it difficult to get the ball down and play.

In the first half Heavitree had the wind at their backs but for all their possession they regularly over-hit the final ball. Beer’s defence, playing three centre-backs, looked solid enough with Joe Adkin particularly impressive on the right side.

In fact, the Fishermen looked at their most dangerous down the right flank with busy midfielder Pedro Fontes and Jacob Clode involved in most of Beer’s attacking play.

Denslow was tested early on, tipping a 25-yard effort over the bar on 15 minutes, and then, on 21 minutes, the Fishermen had probably their best chance of the day, Ollie Morgan heading a Charlie Clode corner just wide of the near post.

As the half wore on Beer had to work hard to contain the visitors and after a couple of close calls, Heavitree went in front on 36 minutes. A low free kick was parried by Denslow only for the visitors’ Joe Hawes to fire in the rebound from close range. As the interval approached Beer did create a couple of half-chances, but were pleased to go in at just 1-0 down hoping to take advantage of the wind in the second half.

The Fishermen did start well in the second half and following a neat move involving Callum Gribble and Fontes, skipper Sam Phillips shot narrowly wide of the right hand post. In an attempt to strive for an equaliser, player-manager Richard Walker who had started at centre back moved himself up front with 20 minutes to go. Soon after this, on 70 minutes Gribble had a chance to lob the Heavitree keeper after a defensive error but the ball was scrambled away by the keeper. Two minutes later, the visitors sealed the result with an opportunist goal from their striker and Man of the Match, Elliott Wells, who took advantage of a defensive mix-up.

There were some good performances from Beer players in particular Joe Adkin, Kieron Love, Richard Walker and the home Man of the match, Pedro Fontes. The top player award was made by match sponsor Dave Abbott of Colebrooke Guest House, Beer.

This Saturday (December,5), both Beer sides are away from home. Beer 1st’s visit fellow strugglers Sidbury United in a Premier Division fixture and Beer 2nd’s travel to Starcross Generals for a Division Five encounter.