Beer Reserves lifted by penalty misses at Silverton

Beer Albion Reserves put in another plucky performance away from home winning 2-1 at Silverton in a Fresha League Division Six meeting on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

It was the young Fishermen’s 12th league win of the season, moving them up to fourth in the table.

In the first half Beer had the advantage of a steep-sloping pitch and took an early lead through player manager Simon Smith.

This should have been the platform for the Fishermen to push on and take advantage of the steep slope. However, the hosts played the conditions better but even so they were only able to fashion one real chance, brilliantly saved by Beer keeper Shaun Gould. Then, on the stroke of half-time, the Fishermen should have doubled their advantage when they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy tackle on Lewis Weedon, but the penalty was well-saved by the Silverton goalkeeper.

The prospect of defending a 1-0 lead playing up hill in the second half seemed a daunting task for the Fishermen, but they upped their game and kept Silverton at arms length. Then, crucially, Beer doubled their lead when Smith notched his second goal following good forward play by Nathan Newberry and Matt Rowson, This was to be young Rowson’s last contribution of the game as soon after he was red-carded for an unintentional hand-ball on the goal line. The ball struck the unlucky Rowson’s hand from point-blank range. Fortunately for Beer, the resulting penalty was blasted wide.

As pressure mounted Silverton finally pulled a goal back with eight minutes to go, setting up a nervy ending to the game. In the closing staged Beer conceded another penalty, but that too was missed to seal a deserved three points.

This Sunday (March 22) Beer Reserves entertain Clyst Valley Under-18s at The Furzebrake in a Golsworthy Cup tie, kick-off 2pm. The match sponsor on Sunday is Bay View Guest House Beer.