Colaton Raleigh FC 3, South Zeal FC 2

Division 3

Colaton Raleigh survived a late rally from a stubborn South Zeal outfit, to claim a crucial three points at their Newton Poppleford home, writes Ken Woodsford.

This result means that one more win will see Riki Pitter's young squad in Division 2 next season. With two of Raleigh's youngest supporters amongst the crowd cheering them on, six-day-old Lily-May Armes, and four-month-old Reece Boyland, both teams started at a furious pace. Player/Manager Riki Pitter, leading from the front, gave his team the lead when he turned his marker just inside the box to score with a fierce right foot shot.

On the half hour, Pitter brushed off challenges from three defenders, to get to the goal-line and cut the ball back for Mark Pavey to sidefoot home, 2-0.

Raleigh looked totally in control until the 58th minute, when the visitors’ centre forward somehow screwed a shot wide from close range. South Zeal did have the ball in the net from their next attack, when a looping header from a corner kick just cleared keeper Liam Keast to reduce the arrears 2-1.

Man of the Match Jake Boyland restored the lead 3-1 when he flicked the ball up with his right foot, and volleyed in an unstoppable shot from 20 yards with his left foot. South Zeal hit back again when their striker showed a blistering turn of pace, to break clear of the Raleigh defence and slot home 3-2.

It was not enough, however, to prevent Colaton Raleigh deservedly taking all three points.

Delighted boss Pitter said: "We want to get promotion in style with a good performance at Tedburn St Mary tomorrow. The lads are fit, confident, and we are all raring to go".