After their below-par performance the previous week at East Budleigh, Beer Albion Reserves put on a much improved display, sharing the points with Newton St Cyres, writes Richard Honnor.

The two sides began the day sitting fifth and sixth respectively in Fresha League Division Six and this was reflected in a closely fought contest.

The Fisherman had a more solid look than in previous weeks. The return of Joe Adkin at centre back allowed Matt Smith to push up into midfield and Robert Adkin, back after holiday, at centre forward, was a constant threat to the away side’s defence.

Beer dominated the early stages and went ahead after 10 minutes through Matt Smith who coolly slotted home Josh Moughton’s well-delivered free kick.

Beer might have made it two just five minutes later when Robert Adkin went close with a header.

The visitors carries a threat on the break and Beer keeper Shaun Gould was forced into a couple of good saves before the away side equalised in the 17th minute.

It was a scrappy effort which the Beer defence should have dealt with!

In what was a free-flowing half, chances were created at both ends and Robert Adkin again went close for Beer forcing a good save from the visitor’s keeper.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Beer making the early running. The Fishermen had enough chances to seal the game, before Tom Neale put them deservedly ahead with a fine low shot from 20-yards which squeezed in off the right-hand post. As in the first half, Beer sat back and allowed St. Cyres back into the game and were punished when the visitors equalised with 15 minutes to go.

Manager Simon Smith was happy with his young side’s performance. Speaking after the game he said: “We had two experienced players back this week, and this helped the younger players raise their game. We created enough chances to win the game, especially in the second half, but the two sides were very evenly matched and a draw was a fair result. Our next opponents Silverton who, like us, have made a good start to the season will provide us with a tough challenge but we can look forward to that game with confidence after today’s display.”