Beer Reserves suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in their Macron League Division Four game at home to basement side St Martins Reserves, handing the visitors their first points of the season, writes Mike Adkin.

It was a lacklustre performance by the Fishermen’s second string, who had a host of chances through the match, but created little in midfield, and with a tendency to lose possession at critical moments.

St Martins scored what would be the only and decisive goal in the 15th minute, when the Beer defence failed to close down Ben Robinson, who placed a well-struck shot into the left corner of the goal, giving keeper Mark Rooke little chance.

Towards the end of the first half, good chances fell to Beer’s Taylor Rooke, who shot just wide, and a Jay Catley strike that hit the crossbar.

Chances continued to go begging for the Fisherman through the second half, with Jamie Walker’s effort being tipped over the bar, although they were lucky to see a St Martins free kick find its way through a host of defenders, but pass just wide of the goal.

The Fishermen were then handed a lifeline in the 80th minute when Ed Karejev was brought down in the penalty area, only to see his spot kick blazed over the bar. Although often struggling defensively, St Martins battled resolutely throughout the game and, in the end, deserved their first league win.

Match sponsor Chapple Family Beer Beach picked defender Steve Howe as the best Beer player, but the Man of the Match award went to Richard Butler of St Martins, who gave a resolute performance at the heart of their defence.

On Saturday (December 2), Beer Reserves are away at Teignmouth Reserves (2.15pm).