Starcross Generals 0 Fluxton 2

Two nil. The best scoreline. Impenetrable in defence, clinical in attack, and leaving the opposition (and fixture) with a modicum of dignity, writes Alex Paget.

Fluxton arrived late but started like a chimney as debutant Burridge surged down the inside-left channel and crossed delightfully for Tom Rapps to head onto the bar via the Generals’ keeper’s index finger . Pagetheaded the resultant Rich Rapps corner inexplicably wide.

Fluxton passed the ball confidently in all areas for the next 20 minutes and goals looked inevitable but, as the half wore on and none came, the Generals started barking orders and Fluxton got a touch ratty. Still, with the back four looking assured, a virgin FFC defeat was as likely as Foster going 90 minutes without a booking. A half time visit to the changing room sauna kept muscles warm and Fluxton emerged re-invigorated, albeit without the calming presence of Rapps (snr), off with a hamstring tweak and replaced by Dan ‘bumblebee’ West.

The Flux went one-up straight from the resumption. Howe, Searle and Fisher played their triangle, Fisher released Paget, who centred for Rapps (jnr) to net with ease. Division 7’s 2nd half specialists went hunting for more. Chances came and went. Searle and Long forayed from deep to miss narrowly, Burridge and Bidder probed, Howe orchestrated. After Foster had snared his yellow, it was the remaining Rapps who added the coup de grace, calmly prodding home another Bidder cross with his knee and shin. The relief of the sparse but appallingly pretty crowd of Fluxton devotees was tangible.

Fluxton are next in action at home to Lympstone on Saturday, September 22.