Otters edged out in titanic cup clash

Ottery St Mary produced a terrific all-round effort in an enthralling Devon Intermediate Cup tie that saw them narrowly edged out by the odd goal in three against a Whipton and Pinhoe side that has now won all 11 of their matches this season.

Otters boss Mike Dawe said: “We played very well and the only difference between the sides I feel was experience. They did have three or four players who have clearly played at a higher level, but I felt the lads really made a big impression on them and I know there was lots of praise post match for the team both from the opposition and the good folk watching.”

Tom Collins netted the Otters goal, scored just after boss Dawe had made a few tweaks during the break with his side 2-0 down.

Dawe said: “In the second half we got back into it and created a number of other chances. Matt Daly was pushed into the role of third centre half with the specific thinking there to nullify there very good centre forward who dictated pay throughout the first half from a deep-lying role. The play worked and we had far more of the ball in the second half. They too might have scored more, but goalkeeper Duncan Smith – rightly named Man of the match – was superb for us. Defeated yes, but the positives to be drawn from the 90 minutes far out weigh any negatives.”

On Saturday (November 28) the Otters are back in Fresha League Five action with a visit to Alphington (2.15pm).

Dawe says: “Playing a third team it is always a case of there being an element of uncertainty for you never know if players from the clubs other two sides might be involved and therefore present you with a different challenge. For our part it’s important to get back to playing the bread and butter of our business which is the league campaign. We have only played six league games so far and need to start climbing the Fresha league Five table.”

Once again the Otters have a number of payers unavailable. Dawe says: “I am not unduly worried for I am confident now with the squad and we have sufficient strength in all areas to cope with three or four being out.”