SOHC Men’s 1st XI 1, Exeter Uni 4

Despite not being able to register any points at this early stage of the season, the Sidmouth and Ottery Men’s 1st team went into this fixture confident that they could deliver a performance worthy of a win having played relatively well in previous matches but failing to capitalise where it mattered in the final third of the pitch, writes Tom Down.

They faced tough opposition against a well organised Exeter University side who, by the end of the game, proved their superiority by beating the newly amalgamated team 4-1.

SOHC’s only goal came in the first half from a short corner - drag flick specialist Ali Slade stepped up providing a neat finish low into the corner.

Exeter Uni ensured they went into half time on level terms and also executed a well worked short corner, however they could have easily gone into the lead had it not been for some fine goal keeping from Johnny Thompson who pulled off a number of smart saves to keep them in the game.

The sound of the ball crashing against their post and crossbar also sounded alarm bells for the visiting side.

The second half was a different affair and the quality of the Uni’s efforts on goal this time round proved to be more prolific.

Little could be done to keep out another goal scored from a short corner and the final two were both fine individual efforts from the front men.

The decisive tackle could not be made where it mattered as the Uni found themselves weaving through the back lines and tucking away clinically from narrow angles to ensure they went away with all three points and securing a deserved 4-1 victory.