ANOTHER step towards safety in South East Division One of the Davis Wood Hockey League was taken by Sidmouth as they secured both points against Bridgwater, writes John Goodwin.

For most of the game, Sidmouth had the upper hand and built a two-goal lead 10 minutes into the second half. But, when Bridgwater got a goal back with 10 minutes to go, there was some backs-to-the-wall defending to be done.

From the first short corner gained by Sidmouth, Ian Mackie received from Richard Lucas and scored with his powerful shot. In the first half, Sidmouth relied greatly on the left flank, where Simon Olive and Richard Lucas figured prominently, to launch attacks. One cross from the left found George Mingo unmarked in the middle of the D, but he failed to make contact with his shot.

In the second half, he made amends with good work on the right flank which earned him the Man of the Match accolade.

He provided the pinpoint cross which enabled Sam Cole to tap in for a second goal.