Beer Albion Reserves chalked up their fifth win in six matches with a 3-0 victory over Bradninch at the Furzebrake on Saturday, writes Richard Honnor.

It was another solid performance by the Fishermen’s promising young side who are certainly easy on the eye when their short-passing style is working well. However, it did take a while for Beer to impose themselves on the game and the first 30 minutes were truly forgettable.

As the first half drew to a close, Beer began to get on top and create chances. Efforts from Ross Broome and Matt Smith were just off target and a free-kick from Josh Moughton was well saved by the visitor’s keeper to keep the score 0-0 at the break.

The home side started the second half strongly and took the lead on 49 minutes when player-manager Simon Smith broke down the left and fired in a fierce low cross which the Bradninch defender deflected into his own net.

The visitor’s were now under constant siege, but weathered the storm for a while with some desperate defending and the assistance of the woodwork. On 60 minutes, bustling striker Tom Neale went close with a great strike which rattled the crossbar and, five minutes later, Nathan Newbery’s shot hit the inside of the post and was cleared off the line.

On 70 minutes, Bradninch had a good opportunity to level the score when an under-hit back-pass to keeper Westlake was intercepted, but the visitor’s striker’s effort went just over the bar.

The Fishermen sealed the game on 70 minutes when Ross Broome, who was having a fine match, made it 2-0. Beer were now playing some cracking football and on 90 minutes Tom Neale scored Beer’s third goal following good work down the right wing.

After the game Simon Smith said: “I was pleased with the performance. We retained the ball well and our build-up play from the back through the midfield was good. We do however need to be more incisive in the final third of the pitch. Next up we are at second-placed Kentisbeare and that will present a tough challenge for the boys, but we are looking forward to it.”

For Beer, there were good performances across the board, but accomplished full back Jack Prior was named the Man of the Match.