Beer Albion Reserves were 2-1 home winners over Sandford in a Macron League Division Three game at the Furzebrake, writes Richard Honnor.

In what was a very entertaining and sporting contest, the young Fishermen were good value for their win against tough opponents who had won their opening two matches of the season scoring 15 goals in the process.

In the seventh minute, Sandford’s keeper failed to cleanly catch a teasing through-ball and Fishermen’s midfielder, Ollie Paget, took full advantage.

For his efforts in scoring, Paget took a blow on his left ankle, but this did not prevent the creative midfielder from being instrumental in most of Beer’s attacking play in the first 45 minutes. The injury, however, forced him to withdraw from the game at half-time.

The visitors levelled with a close range header from a corner after 24 minutes.

Beer striker Taylor Rooke became an increasing threat to Sandford, not only with his pace when taking on defenders, but also with his clever hold-up play enabling his side to build attacking moves from wide areas and through the middle of the park.

On 37 minutes, Rooke created a great chance for himself when he chased down a flick-on from Tom Neale, but slotted narrowly wide past the keeper’s right-hand post.

What proved to be the winner arrived in the 61st minute when a through-ball from the impressive John Cooper found Rooke on the edge of the box and the striker held off a strong challenge before drilling the ball home.

Sandford missed a sitter a minute later, but the Fishermen continued to press forward and were awarded a penalty on 74 minutes after Rooke was brought down.

However, Rooke saw his shot strike the underside of the bar, but it was not to make any difference as Beer saw the game out in some comfort.

There were several outstanding individual performances worthy of nomination for man of the match, but sponsors Pecorama of Beer gave the award to Taylor Rooke.

On Saturday (September 8), the Beer second team are at home to St Martins in a Bill Slee Cup tie (2pm).

The match sponsor is Beer Fish and Chip Shop. Meanwhile, Beer first team resume their Premier Division program with a trip to Feniton.