Late goal seals it for Fluxton

Newton St Cyres 2nds 1, Fluxton 2

Devon Intermediate Cup

Originally scheduled as a Fluxton home fixture and still aggrieved at the postponement, Fluxton were expected to take the game to their hosts. Instead they produced a listless start, lacking the usual passing fluidity and movement off the ball, writes Tristan Long.

The opening goal inevitably came from the home side. Either finding his options limited or showing the first indication injury, Fluxton captain Searle dwelt needlessly on the ball and St Cyres capitalised, mugging defender of possession and then finishing delightfully from 20 yards. Fluxton replied with a goal built on great industry from the left and the predatory instincts of Rich Rapps.

With Searle unable to continue outfield he took the keeper’s gloves, Howe moving from attack to defence and keeper Foster leading the attack. Released from defensive responsibility Foster took to the role with a mixture of mercenary brawn and childlike enthusiasm, chasing down lost causes and opposition defenders with equal relish.

Fluxton wrested initiative from the home team and, despite losing Searle to a hamstring injury, St Cyres couldn’t make anything of the man advantage.

A second rejig returned Foster to goalkeeping duties with Windsor leading the line, Fluxton settling into two banks of four with Howe and Butcher initiating the short passing game that had been largely absent in the first 45 minutes.

The decisive blow came when a Rapps free kick proved too powerful for the St Cyres keeper who could only palm the ball to Fluxton’s Long who finished emphatically.

This weekend Fluxton are back in Division Seven action home to Honiton Res.