Ottery St Mary 2, Phoenix 4: Ottery were unlucky to lose this entertaining match that could have gone either way.
Ottery St Mary 2, Phoenix 4: Ottery were unlucky to lose this entertaining match that could have gone either way.
Phoenix opened the scoring midway through the first half but Ottery equalised with a well taken goal from Charlie Norris who turned with his back to the goal and shot low into the net.
The match was played at a fast pace and Phoenix regained the lead after breaking out of defence.
Ottery won the midfield battles and Harry Blake broke down the left wing to cross for Joe Cotterill, who shot from distance to make the game 2-2 at half-time.
Ottery started the second half as the stronger team and Connor Swingler kept the pressure on Phoenix with a series of corners which caused problems.
Despite Ottery possession, Phoenix scored twice in quick succession.
However, the home side refused to lie down.
Some great attacking play deserved a goal but Ottery were repeatedly denied by the woodwork, firstly when a Swingler corner hit the crossbar.
Jack Saunders then met another corner with a goalbound header that was tipped over the bar and minutes later had a shot pushed onto the post by the Phoenix keeper.
A draw would have been a fair result on the day.
The Man of the Match award for Ottery went to Bradley Gibbins for a strong display covering right back and midfield positions, making every tackle and header in both positions.
By Steve Saunders
Ottery St Mary 2, Phoenix 4
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