2005

2005/06 Season

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First Team Results Grid Table Reports

Under 18s Table

Under 13s Top Scorers

Under 12s

Under 11s

Under 10s Season Review

Girls Under 12s Reports

Girls Under 10s Reports

First team Axworthys Devon League

Date	KO	V	Opponents	Comp		Result	Scorers
Fri 22 July	7.30	H	Chard Town	F	W	4-2	-
Tue 26 July	7.30	H	Wellington Town	F	L	2-6	-
Fri 29 July	7.30	A	Exmouth Town	F	W	3-0	-
Mon 1 Aug	7.30	H	Clevedon Utd	F	D	1-1	-
Thu 4 Aug	7.30	H	Bridport	F	L	0-2	-

Sat 13 Aug	3pm	H	Totnes & Dartington	L	L	3-4	Cridland, Gill, Vaughan-Ryall,
Wed 17Aug	6.30	A	St Loyes	L	W	2-0	Cridland, Hammon,
Sat 20 Aug	3pm	H	Plymstock Utd	L	D	0-0
Sat 27 Aug	3pm	A	University of Exeter	L	W	5-2	Hammon 2, Gill 2, Cridland.

Fri 2 Sep	7.30	H	Buckland Athletic	L	L	1-3	Gill.
Tue 6 Sep	7.30	H	Newton Abbot Spurs	L	L	1-4	Williams.
Sat 10 Sep	3pm	A	Plymstock Utd	L	D	1-1	Williams.
Sat 17 Sep	3pm	A	Cullompton Rangers	L	W	2-1	Hitchcock, Cridland.
Sat 24 Sep	3pm	A	Vospers Oak Villa	L	L	1-4	Gill

Sat 1 Oct	3pm	H-	Tavistock	FAV	L	2-5	Howarth, Gill.
Fri 7 Oct	7.30	H	St Loyes	L	d	0-0	-
Fri 14 Oct	7.30pm	H	Tot&Dartington	TC	W	1-0	Hitchcock.
Wed 19 Oct	7.30	H	Dartmouth	L	W	2-0	Howarth, Sloane.
Sat 22 Oct	3pm	A	Stoke Gabriel	L	W	4-0	Howarth 3, Gill.
Sat 29 Oct	2-30	H	Holsworthy	DPC	W	3-0	Vaughan-Ryall, Howarth, Hammon.

Sat 12 Nov	2.15	A	Alphington	L	W	2-1	Vaughan-Ryall, Whiteoak.
Wed 16 Nov	7.30	H	Teignmouth	L	D	2-2	Gill, Sloane.
Sat 19 Nov	3pm	H	Ivybridge Town	L	W	3-1	Hammon 2, Gill.
Sat 26 Nov	2.30	A	Newton Abbot	DPC	L	1-3	Gill.

Sat 3 Dec	3pm	H	Cullompton Rangers	L			Match Abandoned
Sat 10 Dec	2.15	A	Appledore	L	W	3-1	Whiteoak, Asson, Hammon.
Sat 17 Dec	3pm	H	Holsworthy	L	L	1-4	Webber.
Tue 27 Dec	12 Noon	A	Budleigh Salterton	L	L	0-1
Sat 31 Dec	2.15	A	Teignmouth	L	W	4-2	Hammon 2, Howarth, Cridland.

Mon 2 Jan	12 Noon	H	Elburton Villa	TC	W	5-1	Hammon 2, Bolt, Vaughan Ryall, Cridland.
Sat 7 Jan	2.15	A	Dartmouth	L	D	2-2	Vaughan Ryall, Cridland.

Sat 21 Jan	2.15	A	Newton Abbot Spurs	L	W	3-0	Vaughan Ryall 2, Gill.
Sat 28 Jan	2.15	A	Totnes & Dartington	L	W	6-2	Hammon 3, Vaughan Ryall 2, Gill.

Sat 11 Feb	3pm	H	Alphington	L	W	1-0	Hammon
Sat 18 Feb	3pm	H	Vospers Oak Villa	L	W	3-1	Hammon 3.
Wed 22 Feb	7.30	H	University of Exeter	L	W	2-1	Hammon, Whiteoak

Wed 1 Mar	7.30	H	Stoke Gabriel	L	W	8-1	Hammon 5, Gill, Vaughan-Ryall, Howarth.
Sat 11 Mar	3pm	A	Crediton Utd	L	d	0-0
Wed 22 Mar	7.30	H	Elburton Villa	L	W	4-3	Hammon 2, Howarth, Gill.
Sat 25 Mar	3pm	H	Cullompton Rangers	L	W	2-1	Whiteoak, Hitchcock.

Tue 4 Apr	7.30	N	Holsworthy	T C semi	W	5-2	Whiteoak 2, Simic, Gill, Hammon.
Sat 8 Apr	3pm	A	Elburton Villa	L	W	4-1	Simic 2,Whiteoak, Hammon.
Wed 12 Apr	7.30	H	Crediton	L	L	1-2	Simic.
Sat 15 Apr	3pm	A	Buckland Athletic	L	W	1-0	Simic.
Mon 17 Apr	3pm	H	Budleigh Salterton	L	W	5-4	Boere 2, Howarth 2, Vaughan-Ryall
Sat 22 Apr	3.pm	A	Newton Abbot	L	D	1-1	Boere
Sat 29 Apr	3pm	A	Ivybridge Town	L	L	0-3

Mon 1 May	3pm	N	PlymstockUnited Throgmorton Cup Final	TC Final	L	1-2	Whiteoak.
Wed 3 May	7.45	A	Holsworthy	L	L	2-5	Cridland, Hammon.
Sat 6 May	3pm	H	Appledore	L	W	2-0	Hammon, Cridland.
Tue 9 May	7.30	H	Newton Abbot	L	L	1-2	Hammon

Result Grid

2005/06

Alph

Appl

Blnd

BudS

Cred

Cully

Dmth

ElbV

Hols

IvyT

Abot

Spur

OSM

Pstk

StLo

SGab

Teig

Totn

UniE

VOV

Alphington

2-0

4-1

3-2

1-5

3-3

1-3

2-1

3-1

2-1

3-0

1-2

0-5

3-0

1-2

3-2

2-2

2-1

1-5

Appledore

0-2

2-1

0-4

1-0

6-1

0-3

2-1

1-3

0-2

2-1

1-1

1-3

0-1

2-1

2-2

4-2

1-3

2-1

4-0

Buckland A

3-3

1-0

3-2

3-1

1-0

1-2

1-1

4-5

0-2

2-1

3-1

0-1

0-3

0-0

4-0

1-1

1-4

3-2

Budleigh Sal

3-1

5-0

3-1

2-1

5-2

3-0

1-3

0-2

0-4

1-1

1-0

2-1

3-1

1-3

3-3

1-2

5-1

Crediton U

4-0

2-1

4-2

0-2

1-2

0-1

1-0

3-2

0-3

3-2

2-1

0-0

0-1

1-0

2-1

1-2

2-1

3-7

3-1

Cullompton R

0-1

2-1

1-3

0-1

1-0

0-7

1-3

6-1

1-4

0-2

1-2

0-1

5-0

3-0

1-4

0-7

1-2

1-1

Dartmouth

1-0

6-0

4-3

3-0

0-0

3-2

3-5

2-3

1-0

2-1

2-2

2-4

2-0

3-2

0-3

2-0

0-0

Elburton V

2-0

5-0

3-0

1-1

0-0

1-6

1-3

0-2

0-1

2-2

1-4

2-0

4-1

6-0

0-2

0-3

1-0

Holsworthy

3-0

1-0

6-1

3-2

5-3

1-1

0-1

3-3

0-1

2-1

5-2

2-0

6-1

3-0

4-2

0-2

1-1

2-1

Ivybridge T

4-1

2-1

1-3

2-0

8-1

2-1

4-2

6-1

1-1

2-0

3-0

3-1

10-1

6-1

1-1

3-1

2-1

2-2

Newton Abbot

1-0

5-1

4-2

1-0

5-3

0-2

2-2

1-3

0-3

1-1

1-2

4-0

2-0

2-1

4-1

3-0

Newton Sp

2-2

5-0

2-1

1-2

8-0

3-2

3-1

2-1

1-1

4-2

0-3

3-1

2-0

1-1

2-1

OtteryStMary

1-0

2-0

1-3

5-4

1-2

2-1

2-0

4-3

1-4

3-1

1-2

1-4

0-0

8-1

2-2

3-4

2-1

3-1

Plymstock U

5-0

8-0

5-0

0-2

1-0

4-0

1-1

2-0

1-1

1-7

1-1

3-0

1-1

5-2

6-3

9-3

1-1

3-0

1-2

St Loyes

0-3

3-1

1-4

1-1

2-1

2-7

0-1

2-3

1-3

2-6

1-2

0-2

0-4

0-1

1-4

0-1

2-3

StokeGabriel

2-2

2-5

3-1

1-2

1-3

1-2

1-1

0-1

1-2

1-8

0-6

2-2

0-4

1-1

3-1

1-3

1-2

Teignmouth

5-0

2-0

1-1

5-0

4-1

4-0

1-2

2-3

3-4

1-1

4-2

2-4

0-0

4-1

4-0

2-2

2-0

4-2

Totnes & D

0-0

1-0

0-2

2-2

1-0

2-3

5-3

0-0

0-1

0-4

3-2

2-6

0-2

5-0

5-1

0-1

3-1

4-1

UniversityofE

4-3

3-1

5-1

0-1

1-2

2-3

0-1

2-1

3-1

0-6

0-1

1-3

2-5

1-4

3-0

1-1

4-1

7-0

0-2

Vospers O V

0-0

6-3

1-2

1-0

1-2

3-0

1-1

2-3

4-0

1-4

1-1

1-2

4-1

3-4

2-2

4-0

4-5

1-3

1-0

Table

		*Play*	*Won*	*Draw*	*Lost*	*For*	*Agst*	*Points*
1	IVYBRIDGE TOWN	38	31	4	3	122	38	97
2	PLYMSTOCK UNITED	38	23	8	7	93	41	77
3	HOLSWORTHY	38	23	5	10	90	67	74
4	OTTERY ST MARY	38	21	7	10	85	60	70
5	DARTMOUTH	38	21	7	10	79	56	70
6	NEWTON ABBOT	38	20	6	12	83	49	66
7	BUDLEIGH SALTERTON	38	20	5	13	78	59	65
8	NEWTON A SPURS	38	19	7	12	75	58	64
9	TEIGNMOUTH	38	18	9	11	90	66	63
10	TOTNES & DARTINGTON	38	17	8	13	78	62	59
11	ELBURTON VILLA *	38	15	6	17	59	59	54
12	CREDITON UNITED	38	16	4	18	53	65	52
13	BUCKLAND ATHLETIC	38	14	6	18	63	82	48
14	ALPHINGTON	38	13	7	18	56	79	46
15	VOSPERS OAK VILLA	38	12	7	19	68	75	43
16	UNIVERSITY OF EXETER *	38	14	2	22	66	71	40
17	CULLOMPTON RANGERS	38	10	4	24	56	95	34
18	APPLEDORE	38	10	2	26	45	95	32
19	STOKE GABRIEL	38	4	6	28	42	117	18
20	ST LOYES	38	2	4	32	31	118	10

* = Points Adjusted

Under 18s

Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res	Scorers
22nd Aug	7.30	H	Clyst Honiton	F	4-3
25th Aug	7.30	H	Tiverton	F	0-1

7th Sep	7.30	A	Bitton AFC	L	1-1	Connett
21st Sep	7.30	H	Street	Cup	2-0	Connett, Thomson.
28th Sep	7.30	H	Gillingham Town	L	2-1	Preece OG.

5th Oct	8pm	H	Odd Down	Cup	4-2	OG M.Preece A.Thomson R.hudson
23rd Oct	2.30	A	Stoke Gabriel	Dev Cup	0-1
27th Oct	7.30	A	Clevedon Town	L	pp

16th Nov	7.30	A	Gillingham Town	L	1-1	A Jones.
30th Nov	7.45	A	Welton Rovers	L	PP
30th Nov	7.30	H	Backwell Utd	Cup QF	2-1	M Preece, J Webber

14th Dec	7.30	H	Winscombe	L	0-3

11th Jan	7.45	A	Clevedon Town	L	PP
25th Jan	7.30	H	Clevedon Town	L	PP

1st Feb	7.30	H	Bitton AFC	L	PP
15th Feb	7.30	H	Welton Rovers	L	PP
27th Feb	7.45	A	Larkhall Athletic	L	4-0	Jones, Preece2, Thomson.

15th Mar	7.30	Taunton	Bristol Manor Farm	Cup Semi	1-1 aet lost 2-4 on pens	OG
20th Mar	7.30	A	Clevedon Town	L	1-2	B Ashford.
29th Mar	7.30	H	Larkhall Athletic	L	PP

5th Apr	7.30	A	Winscombe	L	2-0	Jones, Webb
12th Apr	7.30	A	Welton Rovers	L	4-0	A Jones 2, M Preece, R Hudson.
19th Apr	7.30	H	Bitton	L	4-0	A Connett, P Darke, A Jones, M Preece
24th Apr	7.30	H	Welton Rovers	L	3-0	P Darke, A Jones 2
26th Apr	7.30	H	Clevadon Town	L	4-1	A Jones, M Preece, R Sellick 2

2nd may	7.30	H	Larkhall Athletic	L	1-0	C Webb

Table

	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Difference	Points
Bitton AFC	12	9	1	2	48	12	+36	28
Ottery St. Marys	12	8	2	2	27	9	+18	26
Clevedon Town	12	8	1	3	29	18	+11	25
Winscombe	12	5	2	5	22	30	-8	17
Gillingham Town	12	4	3	5	26	22	+4	15
Larkhall Athletic	12	2	2	8	16	34	-18	8
Welton Rovers	12	0	1	11	9	52	-43	1

Under 13s

Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res
Sun11th Sep	1pm	A	Sandford	L	11-3
Sun18th Sep	2.30pm	H	Sidmouth TJV	L	1-16
Sun25th Sep	11 am	A	Exmouth Juniors	L	PP

Sun 2nd Oct	2.30pm	H	Crediton	L	0-9
Sun 9th Oct	2.30pm	A	Pinhoe Spartans	L	0-10
Sun16th Oct	10.30am	H	Sandford	L	10-1
Sun30th Oct	10.30am	A	Sidmouth TJV	L	0-6

Sun 6th Nov	1 pm	A	Sandford	Cup	PP
Sun13 Nov	1 pm	A	Crediton	L	1-2

Sun 15 Jan	1pm	A	Sandford	L	17-0
Sun 29 Jan	2.30pm	H	Crediton	L	1-6

Sun 5 Feb	11am	A	Exmouth juniors	L	3-6
Sun 14 Feb	11am	H	Pinhoe Spartans	L	0-12
Sun 19 Feb	10.30am	H	Sidmouth tjv	L	2-5
Sun 26 Feb	1pm	A	Sandford	CUP Q/finals	18-0

Sun 19 Mar	2.30pm	A	Sidmouth tjv	L	1-3

Sun 2 Apr	11am	H	Exmouth juniors	L	1-9
Sun 9 Apr	2.30pm	A	Pinhoe Spartans	L	0-12
Thur 20 April	2.30pm	H	Exmouth juniors	L	2-5
Sun 23 Apr	10.30am	A	Sidmouth tjv	CUP S/finals	2-5
Thu 27 April	6.30pm	H	Pinhoe Spartans	L	0-16

Sun 7 May	2.30pm	A	Crediton	L	0-6

Under 13's top scorers: (05/06)

21 - Sam Stapleton

16 - Curtis Winchcombe

14 - Matt Clothier-Smith

5 - Will Roberts

4 - Zandie Thornton

3 - Ashley Small

2 - Tom Pratt

2 - Johnny Thompson

2 - James Pecover

1 - Blair Charlton

1 - Joe Willis

1 - Matt Williams

1 - James Broadbent

2005/2006 Awards

Managers Player of the season

Joe Willis

Players Player

Matt Clothier-Smith

Most improved Player

Will Roberts

Clubman award

James Pecover

Under 12

ottery score first


Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res	Scorers
9 Sep	6.30	A	Honiton A	L	2-11	T Bennett, J James
18 Sep	10.30	A	Axminster Town	L	1-1	J James
21 Sep	6.20	A	Seaton Town	L	0-2
25 Sep	10.30	H	Avishayes	L	2-2	J James, C Parker

9 Oct	2.30	A	Lyme Regis	L	0-4
16 Oct	2.30	A	Honiton B	L	6-3	T Bennett 4, T Hughes, N Roberts
30 Oct	10.30	H	Sidmouth	L	7-1	J Taylor3, A Baker2, N Roberts, C Parker.

13 Nov		A	Crediton	Oasis Cup 2	3-5 AET	T Hughes, J James, A Baker
20 Nov	2.30	A	Pinhoe Spartans	L	0-1
27 Nov	10.30	H	Pinhoe Spartans	Axe Cup QF	PP

11 Dec	10.30	H	Honiton B	L	8-1	J James 4, J Taylor 2, N Roberts 2.
18 Dec	10.30	H	Exmouth B	L	PP

15 Jan	10.30	H	Exmouth A	L	2-0	C Roberts, J Taylor.
21 Jan	10.30	H	Honiton A	L	1-2	J James
28 Jan	10.30	A	Crediton	L	5-1	N Roberts 2, T Bennett, C Roberts, T Hughes

12 Feb	10.30	H	Seaton	L	5-1	Ash Baker 2, Tom Bennett , Joe Daniels , Jay James
19 Feb	10.30	H	Axminster	L	2-1	Tom Bennett , Joe Daniels
26 Feb	10.30	H	Pinhoe Spartans	Axe Cup QF	2-4	Tom Bennett 2

12 March	2.30	A	Exmouth Kestrels	L	pp
19 March	2.30	H	Pinhoe Spartans	L	3-2	Joe Daniels 2, Jay James
26 March	10.30	A	Sidmouth Strikers	L	5-1	Tom Bennett 3, J James 2.
2nd April	2.30	H	Lyme Regis	L	2-2	Tom Bennett 2.

Fri 7 April	6.20	H	Crediton	L	3-1	Jay James, Tom Bennett, Chris Roberts
Sun 9 April	2.30	A	Exmouth Eagles	L	3-3	Ash Baker 2, Tom Bennett
Sun22 April	2.30	A	Exmouth Kestrels	L	16-0	Jay James 3, Tom Bennett 3, Ben Dawe 1, William Cowley 2, Nick Roberts 2, Tim Hughes 2, Sam Baker 1, Chris Roberts 2,
Sun April 30	2.30	H	Exmouth Kestrels	L	17-0	Jay James 5, Joe Daniels 3, Tom Bennett 1, Chris Roberts 1, Ash Baker 1, Sam Osborn 1, Jordan Taylor 1, Glenn Chandler 1, Sam Baker 2, Nick Roberts 1

Sun May 7th	2.30	A	Avishayes	L	0-1

Under 11

Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res	Scorers
3rd Sep	10am	H	West Exe Rangers	L	3-0	J Youlden, J Broadbent, R Bonetta
10th Sep	10am	A	St Martins	L	4-0	J Farley, R Bonetta (2), M Balloch
17th Sep	10am	H	Pinhoe Spitfires	L	4-1	J Broadbent, R Bonetta (2), M Balloch
24th Sep	10am	H	Twyford Roma	L	8-0	J Barker, S Pratt (2), R Bonetta (3), J Broadbent (2).

15th Oct	10am	A	Stoke Hill Juniors	L	7-0	C Toogood 5, R Bonetta 2.
29th Oct	10am	A	Feniton	L	2-1	J Youlden, M Balloch

12th Nov	10am	H	Crediton Youth	L	0-2
19th Nov	10am	H	Pinhoe A	L	0-1

3rd Dec	10am	H	West Hill	L	0-2
10th Dec	10am	A	AC Central	L	0-1
17th Dec	10am	H	Heavitree	Cup rnd 1	2-1	C Toogood 2

14th Jan	10am	A	Brixington Blues	L	2-1	R Bonetta, C Toogood.
21st Jan	10am	A	Broadclyst	L	4-0	R. Bonetta, J. Broadbent, C. Toogood and M. Balloch.
28th Jan	10am	H	Red Star Central	L	4-0	J Broadbent 2, R Pike, J Youlden

4th Feb	10am	H	Cullompton	L	2-0	R Bonetta, R Pike
11th Feb	10am	H	Stoke Hill	Cup rnd 2	1-0	R Bonetta
18th Feb	10am	H	Exwick Youth	L	2-0	D Hatharway, R Bonetta
25th Feb	10am	H	Willend Rovers	L	4-1	C Toogood, R Pike, R Bonetta, OG.

4th Mar	10am	A	Heavitree	L	1-0	R Pike.
11th Mar	10am	A	West Exe Athletic	Cup QF	0-1

8th Apr	10am	A	Brixington Dynamos	L	2-0
29th Apr	10am	A	Alphington Wolves	L	1-1	R Bonetta

11th May	6.30	H	Beacon Knights	L	4-1	R. Bonetta (2), R. Pike, D Hathaway.
13th May	10am	H	Sidmouth	L	2-0	R Bonetta 2.

Under 10s

Date	Venue	Time	Opponents	Comp	Team	Res	Scorers

Sat10th Sep	A	10am	Exwick Youth	L	Sharks	0-2
					Wolves	0-5
	A	10am	Exwick youth	L	Wolves
					Sharks
Sat24th Sep	A	10am	Pinhoe A	L	Sharks	0-6
					Wolves	0-6
	A	10am	Pinhoe B	L	Wolves	0-2
					Sharks	1-2	J Blackmore.
Sat 8th Oct	H	10am	Crediton Pumas	L	Sharks	5-0	N Pohl 3, R Bunn 2.
					Wolves	1-0	S Rae.
	H	10am	Crediton Panthers	L	Wolves	1-4	C Lovering.
					Sharks	3-1	N Pohl 3.
Sat22nd Oct	A	10am	Heavitree Eagles	L	Sharks	2-2	N Pohl, R Bunn.
					Wolves	1-8	C Lovering
	A	10am	Heavitree Hawks	L	Wolves	1-4	T Noris
					Sharks	0-2
Sat 5th Nov	A	10am	Moors Porto	L	Sharks	PP
					Wolves	PP
	A	10am	Kentisbeare	L	Wolves	PP
					Sharks	PP
Sat19th Nov	A	10am	West Exe Athletic	L	Sharks	2-5	J Blackmore 2
					Wolves	0-6
	A	10am	West Exe Rangers	L	Wolves	0-13
					Sharks	0-6
Sat10th Dec			Twyford	Cup1	Sharks	Bye
					Wolves	0-6
Sat17th Dec	A	10am	Stoke Hill Juniors	L	Sharks	2-1	J Blackmore, R Bunn
					Wolves	0-8
	A	10am	St Martins AFC	L	Wolves	0-5
					Sharks	1-5	N Pohl
Sat14th Jan	A	10am	Feniton	L	Sharks	6-0	N Pohl 4, R Bunn, J Molden.
					Wolves	2-4	C Lovering 2.
	A	10am	Broadclyst	L	Wolves	0-4
					Sharks	5-2	R Bunn3, N Pohl 2.
Sat28th Jan	H	10am	Brixington Jaguars	L	Sharks	PP
					Wolves	PP
	H	10am	Brixington Pumas	L	Wolves	PP
					Sharks	PP
Sat 4th Jan			TBA	Cup2	Sharks	PP
					Wolves	PP
Sat18th Feb	A	10am	Alphington Arrows	L	Sharks	0-5
					Wolves	1-3	S Roe
	A	10am	Alphington Spears	L	Wolves	1-1	Connor
					Sharks	1-1	M Bell
Sat25 Feb	H	10am	West Exe Rangers	Cup 2	Sharks	0-9

Sat 4th Mar	A	10am	Central Reds	L	Sharks	1-0	R Bunn
					Wolves	0-4
	A	10am	Central Yellows	L	Wolves	1-3	T Norris
					Sharks	3-0	R Bunn, N Pohl, J Blackmore.
Sat11th Mar	H	10am	Twyford Madrid	L	Sharks	1-0	J Blackmore
					Wolves	0-2
	H	10am	Twyford Ajaccio	L	Wolves	2-0	C Lovering, H Blake.
					Sharks	3-3	R Bunn 2, N Pohl.
Sat18th Mar			Plate competition poss Wolves onlly		Sharks
					Wolves
Sat25th Mar	A	10am	Exeter South	L	Sharks	5-0	N Pohl 3, B Gribble 2.
					Wolves	0-5
	A	10am	Countess Wear	L	Wolves	0-1
					Sharks	6-3	N Pohl 3, J Malden 2, OG.
Sat29th Apr	H	10am	Crediton Saints A	L	Sharks	0-2
					Wolves	0-2
	H	10am	Crediton Saints B	L	Wolves	0-8
					Sharks	0-2
Sat 6th May	H	10am	Exmouth Town Colts	L	Sharks	0-3
					Wolves	0-6
	H	10am	Exmouth Town Jets	L	Wolves	0-3
					Sharks	1-7	R Lane

Managers Review Of The Season

Sharks

Wolves

2nd season together showed much improvement. Players finally started to understand their position, the odd heavy defeat didn't always do their game justice. With an improvement next year in concentration and self discipline they will achieve more success.

Trophy winners, EFL Player of the year- Joe Blackmore. Reads the game well and is a vital team member, not selfish in play.

Most improved Player- Michael Bell. Controlled defence at full back, good attitude with a big smile.

Players Player of the year- Nat Pohl. Popular team member, likes to cover the whole field, top scorer.

Managers Player of the year- Jonny Golder. Has played in every position ask to cover- complained only once! Accepts substitution with grace.

This was a brand new team at the start of the season and were on a steep learning curve. However they should be proud of themselves for their attitude and sportsmanship, often playing against other teams who were both twice their twice their size(!) and had been playing together for 3 years.

Trophy winners, EFL Player of the year- Harry Blake. Good all rounder never afraid of a challenge , Gives his all.

Most improved Player- Hahdn Olny. Quiet disposition hides competitive streak a real asset in defence.

Players Player of the year- Brendan White. Continuing the line of OSM family football kept the team in many a game, often praised by opposition coaches.

Managers Player of the year- Connor Swingler. One to watch for the future, youngest team member who defies his size, simply can't get enough football!

Girls Under 12

Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res	Scorers
Sat 8th Oct		H	Colyton Girls	F	4-1	A Spencer2, C White, G Strawbridge. ( Report )
Sun 22^nd Oct		A	Sidmouth strikers	F	2-2	A Spencer, C White. (Report)

Sun13^th Nov	12.30	A	Exmouth Town	L	6-2	A Spencer 2, V Neilsen, L Gething 2, C White, (Report)
Sun20^th Nov			Friendly TBA

Sat 3^rdDec	2.30	A	Colyton	F		Postponed
Sun11^thDec		H	Colyton	L	4-0	L Gething, A Spencer 3. (Report)

Sun22^ndJan	1.15	H	Exmouth Town	L	8-2	V Neilsen, A Spencer, L Gething 3, C White 2, G Strawbridge. (Report)
Sun 29 Jan	11.15	H	Sidmouth Strikers	L	2-1	L Gething, C White. (Report)

5^thFeb	2.30	A	Colyton	L	2-3	G Strawbridge, C White.
19^th Feb		Exeter City	Tournament

5th March	11.45	A	Totnes	F	0-5	(Report)
12th March		A	Torbay Colts	inter league 1st leg	1-2	A Spencer
25^th March		Exeter City	Devon Festival of Football			Runners up, Lost to Exmouth Town 1-0 in the Final. (Report)

2nd April		A	Sidmouth Strikers	L	3-0	G Strawbridge, J Dyer, L Gething. (Report)
9th April		H	Torbay Colts	Inter league 2nd leg	0-2

14th May			End of season tournament

Girls Under 10

Date	Time	Venue	Opponents	Comp	Res	Scorers
Sun22^nd Oct		A	Sidmouth strikers	F	1-3	J Spencer.
Sun13^th Nov	11.20	A	Exmouth Town	L	1-6	J Jenkins.

Sun 11^thDec	12.15	H	Totnes Town	L	3-0	J Jenkins, D Spencer , J Spencer.

Sat 14^th Jan	2pm	H	Totnes Town	F	PP
Sun 22^nd Jan	12 oclock	H	Exmouth Town	L	8-1	J Spencer 4, D Spencer 3, H Gregory.
Sun 29^th Jan	10.30	H	Sidmouth Stirkers	L	0-4

Sun 12^th Feb		A	Sidmouth Strikers	L	PP	Now 2nd April

Sun 5th March	10.30	A	Totnes Town	L	5-1	G Gething 2, J Spencer 2, J Jenkins.
Sun 12th March		A	Torbay Colts	F	3-4	G Youlden 2, J Spencer.
Sat 25^th March		Exeter City	Devon Festival of Football			Lost to Exmouth Town in the Semi Final 3-0.

Sunday 2nd April		A	Sidmouth Strikers	L	0-3
Sun 9th April		H	Torbay Colts	F	0-3

First Team Reports

Tuesday 9th May 2006

OTTERY ST MARY 1 NEWTON ABBOT 2

Needing a victory to set a club record number of points in the Devon League, the Otters season ended in very much the same way it began with a dominant performance over their visitors yielding nothing by way of points.

The Otters were comfortably quickest out of the traps but soon demonstrated a trend that was to last all game as their finishing slipped into the 'woeful' category. Top scorer Gavin Hammon was the chief culprit as the young striker's usually reliable touch let him down in a way which suggested his Mum might have put his boots on the wrong feet. Strike partner Nigel 'Penfold' Van-Real ferreted around in his usual style but his supply was limited as Newton Abbot worked harder off the ball to make anything the Otters did twice as difficult to achieve. A plethora of shots and other chances saw ex-Otter Neil Montanden in the visitors goal spending more time in the trees than in his six yard box as his goal seemed to have a deflective forcefield around it. Gill, Whiteoak, Ansell, O'Connor and Mark 'Set-Piece' Simic all had chances to score but couldn't direct the inflatable inside the white frame.

As sure as JB's eggs are eggs, the Otters paid the price (£1 for half a dozen) for this wastefulness when, on 20 minutes 'Treetrunk' Williamson must have heard a battle cry and scythed down Shaun Friend who got up to slot home the pen. Just 40 minutes had passed when the Otters were two down as Dan Broadway hit a low drive across 'Porky' Pullen from twenty yards as the home fans called "timber" for the portly custodian's dive.

Half time saw Liam Collins introduced for a tiring but impressive Dave O'Connor and the second half again saw Hammon regularly get in behind the Newton rearguard only to fail to make Montanden earn his crust. However, on the hour, the Ham did get a reward when Pete Darke's through ball found him in the channel and he shot home to reduce the arrears.

Realising the game was theirs if they wanted it, the Otters understandably pressed forward now but the wastefulness continued as shooting took on a distinctly distant feel and the children behind the clubhouse goal regularly had their kickabout interrupted by the Otters finishing. The piece de resistance did not come until the 88th minute however when the Ham burst into the visitors box and was hauled down by Montanden who only saw yellow much to the disgust of the Washbrook Massive. In true end of season bizarre fashion, having missed his last three pens, the Ham declined the opportunity to make his season's tally 32 and it was left to Liam Collins to send Montanden the right way and save the spot kick.

The 'nearly' season was over but it bodes well for an assault on the new Peninsula League beginning on 12th August. See you there.

Saturday 6th May 2006
Axworthy's Devon League

Ottery St Mary 2 Appledore 0

Report by JC

Ottery's penultimate game of the season was played-out at Washbrook Meadows, with a very young Otters team winning 2-0. They beat a lacklustre Appledore side, in a one-way game, which looks to have secured Ottery their highest ever league finish, at fourth.

The game was so one-sided that veteran stopper Adie Pullen had no saves to make, and no crosses to claim. This was Pullen's forty-third game of the season, where he has proven despite his years he can still play at a high level. So he deserved a rest today! He has made some stunning performances this season, and with the right advice from his doctors he should be able to play well into his fiftys.

Apart from Pullen the only other player over twenty-four was midfield general and stand-in skipper Tim Whiteoak. He marshalled an almost youth team with that drive and determination that his colleagues take for granted. Playing alongside him was youngster Andy Jones, who nearly opened the scoring on two minutes from a 'Ben' Darke corner. Future-star Darke, at just seventeen himself, was serving-up some inviting corners. In the first five minutes Ottery had numerous corners, but all to no avail.

For most of the first-half it seemed that Ottery might be denied any goals. Hammon was working his socks off for his thirtieth goal of the season. He had a few chances to achieve this; once the keeper miraculously blocked his point-blank shot; then when clean through the defender recovered; but third time lucky he struck. From a cleared corner Whiteoak fed Webber out wide. His accurate cross to Hammon was met with a turning volley and the Otters had the lead.

Unfortunately this did not burst the dam like many on the sideline thought. Appledore, to their credit, did not fall apart. During the second half chances were kept to a minimum for the home team. They did however increase their lead through an amazing own goal. Gill, hobbiting his way down the left, crossed to the busy Cridland on the eighteen yard line. Bizarrely the Appledore centre half decided to lash the ball into his own net and the score was 2-0!

The only other points of note in this game where the performances of Mark 'Jesus' Simic at centre-half and substitute Dave O'Connor. Simo, the utility man of team, used his aerial presence and calm composure to look very much at home in the back-four. It would be interesting to see how he coped against more illustrious opposition. O'Connor, another local youngster, looked very much at home in the centre of midfield, with some excellent displays of skill and a great range of passing.

Ottery Youth Team: Pullen, Ashford, Simic, Webber, Carp (AN Other), Gill, Whiteoak, Jones (O'Connor), Darke, Hammon (Billy the Kid), Cridland.

Wednesday 3rd May 2006
Axworthy's Devon League

Holsworthy 5 Ottery St Mary 2

Report by John Carey

The Magpies from North Devon put the final nail in Ottery's league campaign with this comprehensive score line. The Magpies 'stole' the three points, after Ottery displayed some generous defending and poor finishing, largely due to missing half of their first-team regulars.

Ottery skipper Ben Williamson is a man of simple pleasures. Give him his wife, his daughter and a pie, and he's as happy as Larry. The same translates to his defending. He likes "two banks of four" across the park, ensures "touchline's your friend", wins every header, tackles hard, and likes a pie. Only then is he happier than Larry. So tonight our captain, while eating a pie, is pulling his hair out! A pasty could have defended better than Ottery! A crazy period of nine minutes in the first half cost the Otters dear: non-existent defending and the score was 3-0.

A rousing half-time team-talk was needed and the Otters came charging out of the dressing room. Cridland, Hammon and Gill had linked well with Bolt in the midfield during the first 45. They had crafted enough chances to level the scores, so Hammon's goal straight after the break was deserved. Bolt slid a pass through to Hammon, who finished one-on-one to become the second highest scorer in the league this season.

However, on such shaky foundations it was not long before Holsworthy notched again to make it 4-1. At this point, Williamson was seen to visibly choke on his pie. Soon after, the hard-working Cridland made it 4-2 with a toe poke around the keeper, after he had previously hit the post and seen a lob fail.

But any more heroic efforts failed, and Williamson spat his pie out in disgust, as the Magpies scored yet again to make it 5-2. That is the exact reverse of the score line Ottery inflicted on Holsworthy in their semi-final a month ago.

Ottery, who only a few games ago looked set for second place, now lie in tatters and are likely to finish fifth. Their congested fixture list at the end of the season, player shortages and hard pitches have proved costly. Oh well, I'm off for a pie.

Ottery St Mary: Simic, replacement, Williamson, replacement, replacement, Bolt, Darke, Cridland, Hammon. Subs: replacement, The Gaffer, Hitchcock (still injured as well)

Mayday 2006, Lords Meadow, Crediton.
Throgmorton Cup Final

Was John Carey watching?

Ottery St Mary 1 Plymstock United 2

Boo hoo! We all know the score line. We all know Ottery should have won the cup. But enough of that rubbish: who wants to read what you already know? Because luckily, while you were at Lords Meadow, this reporter was on an entirely different wildlife experience. Any similarities are purely coincidence.

It started on a quaint river we all know called the Otter. From here, on infrequent but important occasions, the rarely seen Otter makes sojourns all over Devon. Its quest have long been debated by those strange local folk at Washbrook Meadows, Ottery St Mary. Some say they go in search of bluer waters. Others think they are on migration. It may therefore come as a surprise that these Otters are magpie like: they are after silverware. Their journeys this season have seen mixed fortunes. Those hungry Otters have displayed squirrel-like behaviour, gathering 'points' which they exchange with other animals for a 'League Trophy'. Recently the Otters have tired. Many of them are young and inexperienced, and the lure of minxes and other Otter work has made them lethargic. Everyone knows an Otter likes water, so in these drier times they have found life 'harder' (no pun). Anyway, the 'League Trophy' has been taken by some beasts from Ivybridge, so those daring Otters have decided to quench their thirst for silver by other means.

So after robbing a purple-haired Otter of his life savings, they were still craving something shiny. They had met with animals pals from Totnes, Elburton and Holsworthy. Not happy with those encounters they scented a trophy against some Ewes (or U's) from Plymstock. These Ewes were also after some shiny silverware, so it looked like they were going to do the animal thing, and fight it out!

These 'fights' are a fairly common in the area, so other animals come and watch, whilst some even act as 'officials'. It really is a mind-boggling sight. A romp of Otters, taking on a drove of Ewes, refereed by a big black Bison.

The Otters have a robust and mature member amongst their romp. He likes to play with fires whilst at home, but the other Otters don't hold that against him. He's rather good in fights, and he gave the romp an early advantage. The Bison was kind and said the Otters were 'winning'. Some Otters even showed human characteristics by hugging each other. One young, and strangely stained-Otter went too far and started kissing, so he was told-off by the others.

Then the Bison did something mean to the Otters. He said that a sausage-shaped Otter had unfairly kicked a Ewe and said it was a penalty. The Otters were utterly confused. One very tall Otter was jumping up and down, whilst a purple-haired Otter next to him was making some very high-pitched yelps. Anyway, the Bison then told the romp they were 'drawing'. This made the tall Otter and the purple-haired Otter even more upset. The animals on the side-line agreed with the angry Otters, and said they had been unlucky.

The romp then went into overdrive. The most weasel-looking of the Otters had a chance to take the silverware but that mean Bison told him he couldn't, and then when the weasel-Otter tried again he failed.

Folk in the Ottery area will tell you there is one very, very old Otter with squint eyes that moves more like a snake than an Otter. He was causing the Ewes all sorts of problems in this 'fight'. So one of the Ewes got angry and unfairly kicked old-Otter. However, that mean old Bison said it was not a penalty, which was different from what he did for the Ewes, which sent the romp into riots! The tall-Otter jumped even more, the purple-haired Otter squeaked until his hair fell out, and all the Otters were thoroughly annoyed.

To make matters worse Bison then said the Ewes were 'winning'. Something had hit northern-Otter while he was doing 'natures business', and looped over skinny-Otter. The Ewes were very happy about this.

They got even happier when the fairest of all the Otters (he looks like he should be on a catwalk) did something bad in the last minute that could have meant the romp 'drawing'.

After the Bison said the fight was over, a strange looking Cheshire Cat gave one of the Ewes a very big and shiny silver cup. This made the Otters very sad, and some nearly cried. That was until the Cheshire Cat gave the sausage-shaped Otter a smaller silver cup, and all the little Otters a shiny trophy. They went home very disappointed, but said they'd make some more sojourns next season for more silverware!

The Romp: Skinny-Otter, Northern-Otter, Sausage-Otter, Fair-Otter, Stained-Otter, Totti-Otter, Fire-Otter, Oz-Otter, Hobbit-Otter, Weasel-Otter, Old-and-Squint-Otter, Engine-Otter, Pig-Otter, Dark-Otter, Bungee-Otter.

Saturday 29th April 2006
Axworthy's Devon League

Report by John Carey

Ivybridge Town 3 Ottery St Mary 0

Today Premier League champions Chelsea saw-off runners-up elect Manchester United 3-0. The same was mirrored at Erme Valley, as Devon League champions Ivybridge Town beat the Otters, and with it scuppered their chances of second spot.

Both teams had an eye on their respective cup-finals next week, with Ottery resting some of their key players. To their credit a neutral watching the first half would have suggested it was Ottery who were more like Chelsea, and the league champions. But they might have also cruelly pointed-out that their finishing was more like Sunderland!

In a first half, where Ivy's fifty-seven(!) goal machine Mark Berry and strike partner Middleton were denied any shots on goal, it was Ottery who had numerous efforts saved or miss the target. Simic missed the onion-bag twice from corners, and was then left baffled as he, a defender and the goalkeeper somehow juggled the ball between their bodies and then around the post! Diminutive Gill had several forays into the penalty area, with one clear-cut run at goal ending poorly. Hammon was busy around the opposition penalty area, but like the other Otters was too shy to pull the trigger. At half-time Ottery had out-battled their league champions, but because they wanted to walk the ball into the net they had no end product to show for their endeavours.

The Ivy's are worthy champions. Their play is direct (i.e. the long bomb!), with Middleton a huge foil for the pocket-sized Berry. Down the middle they have height and guile, and in the end their superior organisation paid off. So in the second half, pushing their wide players further on, they restricted Ottery advances and looked increasingly dangerous. Champions always have a knack of winning games where they do not necessarily have the upper-hand, and today was a case in fact.

Ottery made a treble substitution, thinking of Monday's final, but not thinking about the ramifications tactically. And it was soon that Ivy's Middleton opened his account: he is a weighty lad, and he put every ounce of it behind a volley from 25 yards which flew past the flying Pullen. 2-0 followed, with some sloppy defending allowing a cross, a miss and then an open goal for Middleton's second. He then completed his hat-trick with a towering header over the defence and keeper. Ottery did have chances to net themselves - but like Sunderland, Hammon, Cridland and Asson were woeful in front of goal. Woeful indeed was the referee's decision to book Webber for a second time in the 89th minute and give him his marching orders.

It was perhaps three or four months ago that these reports sounded like a scratched record: "the Otters were the better team (again), but could not take their chances". Coupled with today it now looks like Ottery are singing to the same LP. They have had a defeat to Crediton and a draw against Newton Abbot due mainly to poor advances in the last third. What has happened to our goal-hero Hammon? Have the diminutive Gill's little legs ran out of steam? When was Cridland's last goal? Can veteran NVR by relied on to produce the goods again? Let us hope that I can answer these positively for the Throgmorton Cup Final!

Ottery St Mary: Pullen, Ashford, Williamson, Webber, Watts, Sutcliffe, Whiteoak (Darke), Bolt, Gill (Cridland), Hammon, Simic (Asson). Subs not used: Hitchcock, Vaughan-Rhyll.

Monday 17th April 2006
Axworthy's Devon League

Match report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary 5 Budleigh Salterton 4

This reporter has been criticised in the past for fictionalising reports with more than a little artistic license. So what can you add to a local derby ending in a 5-4 win for the Otters. It would have been too hard to write a script more thrilling than that! So here are the bare facts:

A very good crowd were gathered at Washbrook Meadows to see the bitterest of rivals take the field. Budleigh had hopes of becoming the only team to do the double over Ottery this season, after robbing them on Boxing Day with a goal in injury time. Funny how what goes around comes around…..

Mutterings around the ground before the game were trying to puzzle-out the OSM team selection. Shock, as in-form Simic was dropped for former Robin Scott Howarth. A host of other changes including a re-vamped back-four had the supporters scratching their heads.

And they were vindicated, as it was the Robins from Greenway Lane that made the best of the start. Playing with more vigour and commitment they threatened the Ottery defence on a few occasions. So it was more than a little surprising when Ottery took the lead. A ball down the left flank by Webber found Boere. A few minutes before he had thrashed the ball into the trees, but this time, from a long way out, he clipped the ball over the keeper for 1-0.

This was entirely against the run of play, so Budleigh decided to right things within seconds. Just after the restart the ball was played over the Ottery back-line. The advancing Pullen could not beat Budleigh's Blurton to the ball and he poked it past him for 1-1. This was after just ten minutes!

Things got worse for Ottery on fifteen minutes. Confusion in the box saw the ball drop to former Otter hit man Williams, but from just eight yards Pullen pulled-off one of the saves of the season. However, all was in vain as the ball dropped to Andy Squires who pulled the ball across the line where the hapless Ben Ashford could only clear the ball into his own net: 1-2.

Budleigh now threatened to take the game away from Ottery, who looked in tatters at the back. Missing usual defenders Hitchcock, Watts and Sutcliffe, Robins star man Blurton was having a field-day. However, he met his match in veteran Pullen, who with two outstanding saves can rightfully claim to have saved the game for OSM.

Now once again Ottery somehow managed to score against the run of play. Howarth took a corner for Ottery and saw it go straight in via a slight deflection from a Robins head. 2-2! What a game so far!

Ottery breathed a sigh of relief at half-time, as they were given a chance to regroup. But with no apparent change the match was swinging away from the Otters. Within mintues of the restart Budleigh were at them again. This time a ball over the top found that pest Blurton: Williamson tugged him back in the box and it was a penalty. With a missed penalty the week before at Buckland, maybe the Gods shone on Pullen's goal again, or maybe Pullen's looks are so disgusting the forward can not concentrate on the goal properly. Either way, Blurton hit the inside of the post and the ball ran away to safety. What a let-off for Ottery. The alarm bells were ringing. Were they heard?

No. It was soon 2-3 to Budleigh when the busy Squires was again in the thick of it, but this time scoring a blinding volley from all of twenty yards.

Ottery looked down and out, so changes were made and orders were given out. But to no effect. Budleigh took a two-goal lead through that man Blurton. A quick free-kick by Squires found Turner in acres of space. He squared the ball to Blurts who tapped the ball home. The away bench were delirious and rightly so, because they deserved to be two goals ahead.

Ottey were given the slimmest of hopes back into the game with fifteen minutes to go, when Simic was pushed in the box by Locke and a penalty was dispatched nicely by Howarth for 4-3.

But when this reporter looked at his watch and saw the ninetieth minute arrive he thought he was going to write an obituary on a down-and-out Ottery team. But the beautiful game never fails to amaze, and amaze it did. A cross from the right found Boere whose cultured volley was met by an amazing save by Page in the Budleigh goal. The resultant corner found Simic on the rise - agonisingly his head could only find a post - but luckily Ottery cult hero NVR was there to tap the ball home. 4-4!!! And not a minute to spare……

Well, not strictly true., because with five minutes of injury-time gone the fairy-tale ending arrived. Webber played a long free kick into the danger area, Boere controlled the ball on his thigh. From there he lobbed the ball over former Otter Osborne and on the half-volley he let fly from 20 yards…..what chance did the flailing keeper have? None. Wild celebrations all around the ground! Ottery had scored and it was 5-4. Just one second after kick-off the ref blew his whistle. What a game!

Words can not do the match any justice. For the neutral it was exciting, thrilling and goal-packed. The Otters avenged that agonising defeat on Boxing Day, and marched on towards a second place finish. But for Budleigh Salterton they can rightly claim to be robbed. They out-fought, out-thought and out-played a poor looking Ottery team, but thankfully, could not out-score them. Revenge is sweet!

OSM: Pullen, Ashford (Darke), Williamson, Harlon, Webber, Cridland (Sutcliffe), Whiteoak, Vaughan-Rhyll, Hero-Boere, Howarth, Hammon (Simic).

Saturday 15th April 2006
Axworthy's Devon League
Back from his break is John Carey

Buckland Athletic 0 Ottery St Mary 1

Just like a religious icon two centuries ago, Mark 'Jesus' Simic "rose-up" to save the Otters. Pete 'Noah' Darke "arked" in a beautiful second-half corner for the in-form Simo to head home an Ottery victory.

Easter is traditionally seen as a time of new life, or new starts. This could not be more apt for the Otters. Last Wednesday they saw their fourteen match unbeaten run end against Crediton. Resurrection is now the object; Easter the beginning of the end of the season. From here OSM are looking to take the runners-up prize money and trophy, with the additional finale of the League Cup on May Day.

Buckland are on something of a new start themselves. They now play at their impressive new ground, Homers Heath, Decoy in Newton Abbot. It surely must be the finest stadia in the league, despite it's lack of floodlights and a permanent stand.

The stadia maybe nice, but the pitch is very bumpy, and this proved to the bane of many early attacks. The hobbit Gill had an early chance to take the lead against his former club, but saw the ball bobble-up before he could strike it cleanly. Simic is playing like a Messiah at present, with five goals in four games since his switch from Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, his right-foot is less-than divine, and so another good chance was passed-up.

Buckland troubled the Ottery goal just the once, and with OSM attacks thwarted with sliced crosses, or bobbled dribbling, the half ended 0-0. The masses prayed for a goal, which looked unlikely, so they ate their fish and drank their wine instead.

Manager Margrett is a keen "disciple" of the game….. tiddlywinks that is, so Manager Stephens took the half-time team-talk instead. Whatever he preached worked, because with just five minutes of the second half gone the Saints forced a corner and took the lead. There were a few other chances for Ottery to clinch the win, but no one was heavenly enough to put an effort away.

And so the game was drawing to its inevitable closure, and a solid 0-1 for the Otters, when Holy-Moly! What is keeper Pullen doing?! For the third time in as many games Beelzebub took possession of the Buddha in the Ottery goal. Against Elburton he was lobbed by the opposition keeper……then at Crediton he palmed the ball into his own net….and now with just a few minutes remaining he has given away a penalty! But Allah was smiling on Pullen, for the Bucks striker pulled the spot-kick wide and Ottery won the game. In a season where Pullen has been one of the outstanding players he must remember he is allowed to go through one dip in form. He must also remember not to dip into too many Easter Eggs.

The Gods have sent a task of Biblical proportions to the Otters at this end-of-season. First they face arch-rivals Budleigh on Easter Monday. In the "Christmas Cracker" we ended up with an under-cooked turkey, as Budleigh came out 1-0 winners. So will we have Easter Eggs on our face this time? Then OSM face six games in thirteen crazy days, including a cup final. Hell or Hallelujahs?! God Bless Football.

OSM: Beelzebub, Ashford (Sutcliffe), Webber, Williamson, Watts, Noah, Whiteoak, Vaughan-Ryall (Harlon), Gill (Mackie), Jesus, Hammon. Subs not used: Howarth, Boere.

Wednesday 12 April 2006

Axworthy Devon League

Ottery St Mary 1 Crediton United 2

A depleted Ottery St Mary side suffered a rare defeat at the Hands of Crediton United at Washbrook Meadows, after a rare mistake by goalkeeper Adrian Pullin

The first exchanges belonged to the Otters who pushed Crediton back for long periods of the first half without really troubling the Crediton Goalkeeper. Hammon shot wide after 20 minutes but the Otters still couldn't find the break through.

Crediton did take the lead on 28 minutes, when a rare break down the left brought a shot on goal which rebounded of the defender back to the attacker, who's cross straight back in to the box found Danny Hall who fired in from close range. The goal sparked Kyrton in to life and a few minutes later the could have doubled the lead with a dipping shot just over Pullins cross bar. The Otters went in at half time a little unfortunate to be a goal down but hadn't really produced enough to be in front.

The second half was a more end to end game with The Otters trying to get an equaliser and Crediton trying to take advantage of the Otters playing with 3 at the back and increase their lead. Ottery had a clear penalty decision turned down after an hand ball in the 6 yard box . As the Otters pushed forward trying to find the equaliser they shot just over on 55 and then 2 minutes later Nigel Vaughan-Ryall was unlucky when he hit the bar the next attack Shane Gills shot was heading towards goal only to be scrambled of the line for a corner. The Otters were now having their best period of the game but the goal just wouldn't come as Mark Simic hit the bar again for the Otters with the keeper well beaten. Then with 15 minutes to go Simic scored the Otters equaliser after a cross by gill. Once again Crediton sparked back in to life and with just 6 minutes to go scored the winner with a bizarre goal when from a corner Adrian Pullin seemed to make an easy catch but fumbled the ball into his own goal. This was a rare mistake for the Ottery goalkeeper who has so far had an outstanding season and saved the Otters on more than one occasion. the best The Otters could offer after that was a dipping shot just over the bar from Tim Whiteoak with 2 minutes to go.

So the Otters 13 league game unbeaten run came to an end on a night with an under par performance but not taking any credit away from what looked a very good Crediton United side.

Saturday 8th April 2006

Axworthy Devon League

Reporter Peter the Pig

ELBURTON VILLA 1 V 4 OTTERY ST MARY

The Otters followed up their midweek Throgmorton Cup semi final victory by
completing the treble over their hosts although the score probably did an
injustice to the part played by the Plymouth side in an entertaining game
dramatically affected by a strong wind running the length of the pitch.

Playing against the wind, the Otters took the lead on 6 minutes when Nigel
Van Real found Gavin Hammon wide on the right and the diminutive striker's
early cross behind the Villa rearguard saw Mark Simic side foot home from
six yards.

However, the Haye Road faithful saw their heroes level on 11 minutes when a
long kick from Chris Stacey in the home goal caught the wind, eluded the
bulk of centre back Ben Williamson, bounce, then bounce again in front of
the nimble Adrian Pullin in the Otters goal before travelling over him and
bouncing again into the net despite the keeper's agile leap to prevent his
team conceding. An unfit or overwight Pullin would have been left truly
embarrassed by this passage of play but the height of his unsuccessful leap
illustrated the effect of the wind on his opposite number's kick.

The first half belonged mainly to the home side with the Otters rearguard of
County Youth full back Pete Darke, Wiiliamson, Sergeant Watts and Agent
Sutcliffe struggling to clear their lines as the wind played havoc with any
pass or clearance off the ground. The best chance of the half actually fell
to the visitors as Hammon surged down their right channel and shot into the
side netting when a sideways pass to a totally unmarked Tim Cridland, whose
bellowing pleas for the ball could have been heard in Cornwall, went
unheeded.

Half time came and went and with the wind, the ever increasing band of
Ottery away support saw their side dominate and justifiably win the game
albeit by a flattering margin.

Following the replacement of one of the Assistants with a hamstring injury,
the Otters went in front on the hour when a driven Elburton clearance hit
Tim Whiteoak on the head and fell to Cridland who put his earlier
disappointment aside by feeding Simic who cooly rounded Stacey and side
footed home for his third goal in two starts.

The Otters then continued to have the majority of possession as Villa
struggled territorially with the wind and the lead was increased on 76
minutes when a wind assisted Whiteoak clearance found Hammon who ran on to
score past Stacey at the second attempt after the keeper had made a partial
block to the attempt to round him.

The piece de resistance came on 89 minutes when substitute Benjamin
Ashford's lofted free kick saw a horizontal lunge by Whiteoak whose
fireproof size elevens served him well as he met the ball with a volleyed
toe poke past a stranded Stacey from 6 yards.

Tuesday 4th April 2006

Throgmorton Cup Semi-Final

At ringside John Carey

Ottery St Mary 5 Holsworthy 2

Laaaaaadiiiieessssss and Gentleman, welcome to Speeds Meadow, Cullllllllompton, for this titanic Throgmooooooorton Cup semi-final. In the black and white corner, from deepest North-West Devon, weighing in with nine games unbeaten, are Hoooooolsworthy. AAAAAnd in the red corner, representing East Devon, with a record of nine wins and two draws, are the Ottttttuuurrrs. Let me take you to ringside as the two form teams in the league go head-to-head!! It's Showtime!

And straight out from the bell come Holsworthy, pushing Ottery back with a some finely worked jabs into the box. For fifteen minutes they look very threatening, and the Otters are on the ropes. But without landing that killer punch, it's the Otters who have the first chance. Hit-Man Hammon is sent clean-through, but takes his shot early and it misses the mark. Minutes later all is forgotten: the Otters are starting to use their jab effectively and the Holsworthy defence is waning. Slugger-Simic causes the keeper to spill the ball to Whacker-Whiteoak, and WHAM! Whiteoak has scored the first punch! He slams the ball home from close-range and it's 1-0.

Holsworthy are still reeling from that blow and it's not long before Hammon is throwing himself forward again. His punch is blocked, but Simic picks-up the attack. Where did that speed come from?...and he's one-on-one with the keeper...BAAM! It's 2-0!

The Ottery attacks ease off now, which only invites on some Holsworthy pressure. The referee has penalised Ottery for a 'low-blow' and Holsworthy have a free-kick. A dangerous hook hits the mark, bounces down and ZONK! The linesman says it's over the line - that's 2-1! What a contest!

It's not over yet. Both teams are laying into each other, hammer and tongs. Strangely, Gill moves like MC Hammer, works an opening and KERBLAM! He's driven in a punch from 25 yards! 3-1!

The referee looks to the time-keeper who is about to ring the half-time bell.....the Otters let their guard down and SPLAT! Holsworthy have latched onto some loose defending from a long-throw, and it's 3-2! Right on the bell!

Back to their corners the two gladiators go. Holsworthy have given their all that half; will they have enough steam for the second? Can Ottery soak up anymore punches? Will Holsworthy work out a defence for the effective Ottery combos?

Out they come and it's Holsworthy looking very tired and out of ideas. The defence looks punch-drunk as wave-upon-wave of Ottery attacks rain down on them. Hammon is finding all the gaps, as a mis-header puts him on course towards goal.....he pulls the trigger back and WAMMO! Under the keeper the ball goes, and it's now 4-2!

How much more will the referee allow? Vaughan-Rocky is finding the gaps now, as Holsworthy lower their guard. He shoots...it's blocked...but there's Whiteoak again to sweep it home SHAZAM! 5-2 and it's looking all over. Will it be a knockout?

Not yet. Hammon is busy in the area and he is felled illegally - this isn't boxing you know! He kindly leaves Whiteoak the duty: surely he will secure his hat-trick...and WHat....he misses! There's life in the Holsworthy defence yet. They hold on to the final bell, but the ref says they are knocked-out and the Otters are in the final!!!!!

OSM: Puncher-Pullen, Av-em-Ashford (Wicked-Webber), Wiley-Watts, Bruiser-Beno, Sock-em-Sutcliffe, Crusher-Cridland, Whacker-Whiteoak, Vaughan-Rocky, MC Hammer (Destroyer-Darke), Hit-man Hammon, Slugger-Simic (Hooker-Howarth). Sub not used: KO-Collings.

Saturday 25th March 2006

Axworthy's Devon League

By Jonathan Carey.

Ottery St Mary 2 Cullompton Rangers 1

Chancellor Phil Margrett delivered his budget to Ottery this week. From the House of Commons he promised more tackles, headers and work-rate. By April 2006 he told MP's his team would be playing with more confidence in an attempt to take second place in the league. So today at Washbrook Meadows the National Audit office reported that things were taking shape as planned.

Cullompton Rangers were the team running in opposition. Earlier in the season this match had been declared null and void at half-time due to torrential rain. The same threatened today, but the referee took a gamble and it paid off. The Ministry of Defence for Ottery had to work hard in the first half; the wind blowing Rangers into some dangerous areas. Minister for OAP's Pullen had to clear-up several crosses with punches and catches.

In a balanced first-half it was Ottery who delighted the Washbrook electorate with a classy goal mid-way through the half. A corner was not cleared properly giving Asson a chance to cross. He found fellow centre-midfielder Whiteoak unmarked at the front post, who spectacularly lept-up and volley it home. Suspiciously, it is not known where MP Whiteoak learnt to volley in such a fashion, prompting Downing Street to start an immediate investigation.

At half-time Chancellors Margrett, Gartrell and Stephen were still sweating: this was not a first-half performance to the standard promised in the budget. What would the opposition come up with in the second-half?

The answer was a goal. Some dubious decisions by the lineswoman first allowed play to continue when the ball went out, and then allowed the offside forward to level after a neat cross to the back-post. 1-1. Rangers should then have taken the lead, but veteran Minister Pullen stood up well to the oncoming forward, forcing him to lob the ball over the bar.

The wheels of Government are always slow in working, so it was no surprise that it took 55 minutes of the game for the Otters to finally deliver the budget promised. Ottery became a well-oiled party, and were finally able to move up through the gears. Their superior quality was beginning to show, as they worked hard for one another in search of a goal.

NVR, or Nigel Velcro-Runner on account of how the ball sticks to his feet, was orchestrating attacks. The Ministry of Offence pummelled the Rangers goal; everyone was in on the act. Chance after chance went begging. Were the Otters wasting tax-payers money?

No. With just minutes to go they broke the deadlock. A corner was not clearly properly allowing Minister for the Air, Mark Simic, to stab the ball over all the defenders to Hitchcock. As he advanced the keeper went down early, allowing the Minister for Bungee-Ropes to lift the ball over the keeper and win the game 2-1.

After the game learned wise-man and Prime Minister Ben Williamson was able to sum-up the performance. "It was a close-game, but in the end we showed that little bit of extra quality when we needed it. Well done Hitchy. I'm off for a couples of sausages. See ya!"

The National Audit office were pleased to announce that on the back of that win Ottery are now up to third position. Ottery's Chancellors point to the fact of a stable economy: eleven wins and two draws in the last thirteen games. However, the next two games are crunch-time. On Saturday the two form teams in the league meet: Holsworthy vs Ottery. What makes this match even more mouth-watering is the fact they meet three days later in the Throgmorton Cup Semi-final. What will be on the Ottery manifesto?

The Right-Honourable Ottery St Mary MP: Pullen, Watts, Webber, Williamson, Hitchcock (Ashford), Gill, Whiteoak (Simic), Asson, Cridland (Sutcliffe), Velcro-Runner, Hammon. Sub not used: Darke.

Wednesday 22nd March 2006

Axworthy's Devon League

Bringing you this exclusive from Washbrook Meadows is Johnny Carey.

Ottery St Mary 4 Elburton 3

There was much to discuss in the post-match press conference at Washbrook Meadows, after a night of high drama. Reporters from all the national papers clambered to get a quote from the Ottery management team, the two red-card sinners, plus numerous goal-scorers. Only this reporter can bring you the whole scoop!

4-3 the Otters had won, with goals from Hammon (2) and Gill, with Howarth scoring but also sent-off. Villa's keeper too was given his marching orders.

Ottery manager Phil Margrett was quick to damp-down his teams' result. "It was good to win in the end," said the purple-haired supremo. "I didn't think we deserved to be leading 3-2 at half-time, so to come in 4-3 at the final whistle was a relief."

"When Elburton went down to ten men we should have wrapped the game up" continued Chris Stephens. "And of course some slack defending cost us dearly in the first half. We had to come back from 1-0 down". On a brighter note, co-manager Pete Gartrell said nothing.

The referee was at the centre of some controversial decisions, and made himself unavailable for comment. His first half decision to send off the Villa keeper was inevitable. Otter striker Hammon lobbed the floundering stopper outside of his area, where he handled. The ball dropped to Hammon who poked it home, but not before the referee had blown his whistle. "I was furious," exclaimed a red-faced Hammon. "The ref didn't play any advantage. I missed out on a hat-trick!". Hammons' two goals consisted of a first half poach, after the miniature Gill had a shot saved, plus a sublime control and finish in the second. When asked about his current hot-form the 26-goal hit-man replied "I'm just keeping my head on the ground and playing my football". The 18 year old continued "if I get too big for my boots then my Grandad brings me down a peg or two".

Fellow scorer Howarth had to be escorted out of the ground after the game, after his umpteenth career sending-off. "Yes," puffed a sullen-faced bank manager, "I chased him out of the ground. My bank can't finance anymore fines for his sendings off. We're going to have to refer him to the bailiffs".

The diminutive Gill was asked for his opinion on his thirteenth goal of the season. Unfortunately, no-one could find a box tall enough for him to stand on to reach the microphone. So it was left to skipper and learned wise-man Ben Williamson to sum-up the performance. "We've set ourselves such high standards recently, so when we play like we did today, even though we won, it feels like we lost. Now I'm off for some bangers and mash. See ya!"

Ottery St Mary: Pullen, Hitchcock, Webber, Williamson, Watts, Cridland, Whiteoak, Asson, Gill (Simic), Howarth, Hammon. Subs not used: Ashford, Darke.

Saturday 11th March 2006

Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by Judge Carey

Crediton 0 Ottery St Mary 0

After averaging nearly four goals a game since Christmas what will the inquest report about this nil-nil draw with Kyrton? After winning the last six games I find this most suspicious. Will the Ottery delegation please explain themselves to Judge Carey....

The league secretary can report only eight scoreless draws before today's game. However, the Otters secretary can confirm that two of those have involved the Otters. The Devon league is certainly not the place for clean sheets, but the Otters have a high share of the bore-draws. Let the inquest continue.....

Your honour, it has been brought to my attention that in-form striker Hammon failed a late-fitness test and had to start on the bench. Could this explain the lack of goals? So what of the rest of the attack? Vaughan-Rhyll was making his usual menacing runs, and could have scored on two occasions but chose to shoot over instead. The miniature Gill had a great opportunity one-on-one with the keeper, but the angle was too tight. Asson had his usual quota of chances, but to no avail. However, we would like Asson stricken from the record, because he is often guilty of goal-shyness. Whiteoak had a few speculative efforts, but they are too heinous to report on.

Order in court! So the attack can certainly shoulder most of the blame. Surely the defence can hold it's head up high?

Well Lord Carey, keeper Pullen has had busier days. He did make one outstanding save in the second half, palming away a mis-cued effort. However, he was beaten once, only for Watts to make a last gasp clearance.

It sounds like Crediton could have won the game?

No your honour, they had a few chances, but so did the Otters.

Well, I suppose you're going to blame the weather now, aren't you?

That was going to be my closing argument, Your Honour, but that of course affects both teams.

I've heard enough. This inquest finds in favour of Crediton. For them it is one point gained. For the Otters it is 2 points lost. If I find Ottery in front of me again I shall have to pass this case on to a real judge.

Ottery: Pullen, Ashford aka Jizz, Webber, Williamson, Watts, Sutcliffe (Cridland), Asson (Hammon), Whiteoak, Gill, Howarth (Simic), Vorn Riall. Sub not used: Hitchcock

Wednesday 1st March 2006

Axworthy's Devon League

Match report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary 8 Stoke Gabriel 1

The icing on the Washbrook Meadow pitch was not confined to the snow, but also the 'sweet finishing' of five-goal Hammon. Stoke performed as if frozen into snowmen. Skilful and speedy Ottery skated around them and sent them packing for eight!

Hammon warmed the Ottery faithful with a well-taken hat-trick completed in the first twenty minutes. Gill was clean-through as early as the fifth, only for the Stoke keeper to misjudge his toboggan run and crash straight into him. The result: a freekick which Hammon drilled into the bottom corner for one zero.

The Stoke defence thawed almost straight away. Hammon's second followed a good ball down the left. His advance went unimpeded by the Snowmen defence, so he finished with aplomb into the top-left corner. Two zero.

Stoke melted further away on twenty minutes, as a delivery from the right found you-know-who to volley past a hapless Snowman. Three zero.

Not to be outdone, Vaughan-Rhyll had been enjoying some slalom-runs through the Snowman defence. So it was with some surprise when he scored a header from a corner! Gill and Hammon then added a goal apiece, sliding down the well-travelled toboggan-run towards the Stoke goal, to move towards a winter Olympic record 6-0 half-time score line.

The interval allowed the Stoke snowmen to be re-formed, and with some success. They still melted, but to a lesser degree. An avalanche of chances from Victor Asson (x10), Hammon, Gill and Howarth threatened to flatten the Stoke defence. However, a moment of lax defending allowed Stoke to throw in their own snow-ball, and the score was 6-1 score.

Mid-way through the half Howarth slipped his Snowman and drilled a neat finish past the Stoke stopper for 7-1. And finally, Hammon rose like a snowflake above everyone else and powered home a corner. He celebrated a 5-star performance, and the final 8-1 score. It was a shame he missed a chance moments later for his double hat-trick, but his goal bonus will at least afford him one new piece of bling or a few ring tones.

The performance was irrelevant against such a poor team. The only relevance is that Ottery keep their very impressive form going. Let us hope they are not fast approaching the finish-line of their thrilling ski-run, and have enough speed left to catch leaders Ivybridge......

Otters: Pullen, Sutcliffe, Williamson (Webber), Watts, Jizz, Gill, Whitehouse (Hitchcock), Victor, Hammon, Vaughan-Rhyll (Howarth).

Saturday 18th February 2006

Axworthy Devon League

Match report by Steve Flinders

Ottery St Mary 3 Vospers Oak Villa 1

Gavin Hammon got his second hat trick of the season at a rain soaked Washbrook Meadows as both teams found it difficult to master the conditions

The Washbrook Meadows pitch looked in great condition at the start of the game but it wasn't long before it looked more like a mud bath than a football pitch after it had rained for an hour before kickoff and carried on raining throughout the first half. Vospers started the brighter of the two sides and had their first effort after 10 minuets when Pender shot just over from 20 yards. Another attack by the away side brought a mistake from Williamson as he slipped in the mud and the ball into the box resulted in a corner from which the visitors should have taken the lead as the header went just wide of the post.

Ottery started to get into the game as Hammon headed over and Asson side stepped the keeper and shot just wide after 30 minuets. As the Otters started to get well on top it was the away side that took the lead on 38 minuets. Carter, who was clearly offside, tapped a goal bound shot into the empty net. Ottery came straight back into the game when Howarth shot just over on 40 then two minutes later deservedly equalized when Hammon picked the ball up on the left and shot low past the advancing keeper.

1-1 at half time was a fair reflection on a first half dominated by the rain, in which the players found it difficult to stand up never mind play football.

The Otters started to attack more in the second half as the found it easier kicking down the slope and forced the first corner of the half after 5 minuets then Hammon shot just wide. Hammon who seemed to be coping with the conditions better than anyone started to cause problems for the Vospers' defence and almost scored his second but for a great save at his feet as he tried to round the keeper. Then mid way through the half Howarth blazed a shot over from 8 yards, then a great tackle saved the visitors as Howarth, poised to shoot, resulting in a corner.

This brought Vospers to life and they enjoyed their best spell of the game pushing the Otters back and came close when Pullin punched straight to the feet of the Vospers' forward who shot just wide, Ironically the visitors best effort resulted in Ottery scoring the second on 85 minuets. Pender hit a great shot which rebounded off the inside of the Ottery post. The desperate clearance found Hammon on the halfway line who ran the ball to the edge of the box and this time rounded the keeper and slotted home. This knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and with just a minute left Hammon rounded off a great 'man of the match' performance with his third after great work by the sub Vaughan-Ryall who beat the defender on the by line and put a great ball to Hammon who tapped the ball into an empty net from a yard out.

The score line was a little hard on Vospers Oak Villa who, up to the last 10 minutes, were well worth a point but, as the game went on, Ottery's fitness got them through as Vospers tired in the appalling conditions.

Saturday 11th February 2006

Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary 1 Alphington 0

Gavin Hammon's fifteenth goal of the season was enough to secure the Otters their third win in a row. Alphington were the dogged opponents, frustrating OSM with their defensive-minded play.

The goal came from a second-half break down the right by the diminutive Gill, whose cross wrong-footed the Alpha's keeper and left Hammon with an easy tap-in.

That's nine wins in thirteen, but the Otters still seem to be treading water in ninth place. Today they were not able to play their fast and fluent attacking football, but were still able to grind-out a result.

46 year-old Pullen, in his less-than-flattering fluorescent jersey, had one save to make during the match. Centre-backs 'Badger Beno' and C&A model Webber dominated the Alpha's frontline, giving nothing away (except hair tips). Left-back Sutcliffe snuffed out all trouble down the wing, while right-back Hitchcock enjoyed acres of space on the opposite side. He came close to opening the scoring in the first-half with a header from a corner, and came closest to being knocked-out in the second, when he broke his hair.

Peter Darke added left midfield to his growing repertoire of positions, and played a solid game, nearly scoring early on with a good drive. Right winger Gill was guilty of missing an open goal late on in the game, after rounding the goalkeeper and then falling over while swinging his left-foot. Centre midfielders Asson and Boere had both got out the wrong-side of the bed, and spent the game arguing over who they were supposed to be marking.

Upfront, Vaughan-Ryall, Vaughn-Ryll or NVR had less chances than variations on the spelling of his name. Hammon took the chance he had, but could have added to his tally with a header.

A frustrating game like this will soon be forgotten when Vospers Oak Villa visit Ottery next Saturday. Vospers have not won in the last nine games, but will be looking to do the double over Ottery after their 4-1 drubbing their last encounter. The Otters need to keep winning to move up the league - it is very tight at the top, and with their games in hand they can actually move up to third.

OSM: Pullen, Sutcliffe (Watts), Webber, Williamson, Hitchcock, Darke, Asson, Boere, Gill, Hammon, Vorn-Rile. Subs not used: Cridland, Pete the Pig.

Saturday 28th January 2006

Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Carey

Totnes & Dartington 2 Ottery St Mary 6

"Our keeper hasn't had much to do in recent weeks" boasted the Totnes and Dartington match programme. Talk about a curse: Ottery ran in six.

And that was principally due to Ottery's dynamic strike duo, Hammon and Vaughan-Rhyll. The wind was blowing a chill, but those two were hot! Against a fierce and bitter wind in the first-half, they twice rescued the Otters.

The OSM defence were struggling to clear T&D attacks, who were awarded an early penalty. To the uniformed spectator it seemed the T&D forward had frozen in the wind and just blown-over in the box. But the better-informed referee (they always are) said it was a foul, and the penalty was despatched: 1-0.

So firstly Vaughan-Rhyll to the rescue: robbing the defender 30 yards from goal, he approached the goalkeeper, played a neat one-two with his chest, and scored into an empty net: 1-1.

Then the Otters fell asleep from a throw-in. The attacker turned and lobbed the hapless Pullen. So now Hammon took his turn to rescue the Otters. A poorly cleared header looped its way to Hammon 30 yards from goal. His control, surrounded by opponents was impressive. He ignited his nitro and burst to the edge of the area, shooting low and hard across the keeper to equalise, 2-2. What a goal!

That ends the tale of the first half, which is very much different from the second. If you are the Totnes keeper reading this, beware! You could be very busy!

The cold wind was a factor in the game, but the way in which Ottery controlled the game, with countless attacks and solid defending was the over-riding factor.

It was clear the T&D were having a nightmare. They just could not compete with Vaughan-Rhyll's ball-skills, Hammon's pace, and the continuous bursts from the Otters midfield. Asson was trying to get into the act, but kindly flicked the ball onto Gill. He was clean-through and slid the ball under the advancing keeper to make it 2-3.

Hammon menaced the T&D defence again: receiving the ball, he rounded one defender, then the keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net: 2-4.

He was at it again moments later, forcing the keeper into a fine save, but the ball rebounded to Gill. The diminutive Gill has been well-raised to respect his elders. So faced with an open-goal he passed the ball to Vaughan-Rhyll who scored his second and the Otter's fifth. What was most impressive though was the way Gill had passed him the ball: off the crossbar!

For the sixth goal T&D ended their nightmare by giving away a penalty. Thoughtful you might think: that is the Otters first penalty this season and their first in almost a year! So Hammon grabbed the ball and dispatched it down the middle for 2-6.

This reporter will end his report here. Their were other Otter chances, but I do not want to make the news printer as busy as the T&D keeper.

Congratulations to the Otters management team of Gartrell, Margrett and Stephens - with this victory they picked up the January Manager of the Month award. The Otters have played some tough games recently, and shown they are a team to be reckoned with. While Hammon and Vaughan-Rhyll are grabbing the headlines we must not forget the contributions of the rest of the team. There is a confidence and stability forming in the team that will hopefully translate into February.

OSM: Pullen, Sutcliffe, Williamson, Webber, Ashford (Hitchcock), Cridland (Boere), Whiteoak, Asson, Vaughan-Rhyll (Howarth), Hammon.

Saturday 21st January 2006

Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Carey

Newton Abbot Spurs 0 Ottery St Mary 3

Match 21 in the Big Brother house. Big Brother has sent Ottery St Mary to the Recreation Ground to play a game of football against Newton Abbot Spurs. Big Brother has given the housemates a tough task. Spurs are fifth in the league, have lost one game in the last eight, and housemate Gill is going stir-crazy without his regular piano practice.

Big Brother is not completely evil and has boosted the Otters spirits by arranging for a guest appearance from Vaughan-Rhyll. Sightings of V-R are rarer than a whale in the river Otter.

For the first ten minutes the housemates handle Spurs long-ball tactics, and gradually start to move the ball around neatly. Emotions are always high in the house, and Asson is called to the diary-room and booked by the referee for arguing. Soon BB gives Ashford a task to take a long free-kick into the box. He miscues it though - will BB punish him? No.....special guest NVR has pounced, and volleyed it into the net. That's 0-1.

The housemates are on a high now, and putting pressure on the Spurs defence. Gill is released down the right, his cross is deflected and everyone seems to stop. BB camera keeps rolling though, and popping-up at the near-post NVR is captured scoring another! 0-2.

Keeper Pullen comes to the diary-room. He confesses that the boredom in goal is driving him mad and can BB give him some alcohol. Denied.

BB blows a whistle meaning the housemates can have a 15 minute break. Housemates want to carry on their task in the same vein for another 45 minutes, so they crack on to their task with renewed vigour.

The game is opening-up now, and frequent attacks by the Otters see Asson miss a hat-trick. Maybe the housemates will remember that on eviction night? But wait a minute, Gill is guilty as well, as he hits the bar from a lovely dinked effort. However, housemates forgive him minutes later and celebrate with hugs: camera's in his own half capture Cridland, playing a superb game on the left, dribble the ball past a few players and release Asson. The left-wing camera zooms onto his pass to Hammon, making moves towards the Spurs penalty area. The camera can barely keep-up, as a glorious cross flies into the near-post. Gill gets his head to it, and how did he squeeze that into the net? 0-3.

Now Spurs throw everything at the Otters defence, who are sticking to their task resolutely. Pullen proves to the housemates he has not been snoozing in the bedroom by producing three fine saves in a row. BB gives further chances to Gill, NVR, and Hitchcock to make the score-line even more impressive, but they all fail.

The public have had enough now, so BB blows a whistle, and the housemates must leave the field. BB rewards the Otters with three points. The Otters housemates discuss whether special-guest NVR will make another appearance? How did Webber smuggle hair-straighteners into the house? And how long does Darke spend cleaning his boots? The house is happy for the moment!

OSM: Pullen, Ashford (Darke), Webber, Williamson, Sutcliffe, Gill, Whitehouse, Asson (Boere), Cridland, Vaughan-Rhyll (Hitchcock), Hammon.

Saturday 7th January 2006

Axworthy's Devon League

Match report by John Carey

Dartmouth 2 Ottery St Mary 2

Today at Dartmouth's 'Long Cross' ground neither team were able to see their way to three points. Which is no wonder, as the referee twice consulted his linesmen about poor light. The match lasted the ninety though, with scores level.

We must look at the 'Long Cross' ground with some humour. On a normal day this short and narrow pitch makes 'Long Cross' sound rather ironic - but it was even more so today. As the game wore on the rain made the pitch very heavy, the increasing darkness made the passes very unsteady, and so we had a very difficult pitch to play on.

However, it was team senior Nigel Vaughan-Rhyll who was skating all over the park. Where the ball seemed to stick in the mud for other players, the ball remained firmly stuck to NVR's foot. Dartmouth made an assured start, but it was Vaughan-Rhyll on the break who looked the biggest threat. On one such attack, a Dartmouth clearance found Gill on the right. He fed Hitchcock on the fly down the flank, who crossed to Cridland. He turned and drove the ball across the six-yard area, where the early antagonist NVR was waiting, and the score was 0-1.

The two teams then traded attacks for most of the half. That was of course until one minute before the half, where poor Ottery defending all-round led to an equaliser.

As the second-half started, the light started to fail. In more than one sense as well, as Ottery's brightest star Vaughan-Rhyll limped out of the game with a muscle pull. Howarth entered the quagmire and Ottery seemed to be making the most of the poor conditions. Gill was finding space down the right, and should have shot when clean-through. Instead, his pull-back was cleared. He made amends moment later though, when Hitchcock released him with a thirty-yard pass, Gill found Cridland clean-through. Cridland made no mistake in his finish, and also made his goal tally three in three games.

At 1-2 the Otters had a few more chances to make the game dead and buried. Whiteoak, having a whale of a time battling his way through a sea of mud in the centre was allowed to show the finer side of his game. A cross from the right found him beyond the back post and almost on the goal-line. In true Van Basten style he fired a rasping volley at the goal - what an effort! But an equally good save.

The Darts were finding time in the Ottery half though, and always looked like they might threaten a goal. Some thought the referee might save Ottery the last twenty minutes and call the game to an end, and award them the three points. But before he could do that Ottery failed to clear a cross. It might have been hard to see, and the finish was beyond Pullen before anyone could react: 2-2.

The game was now drawing to a close, the night was drawing in and sight was failing. Which perhaps explains why the diminutive Gill missed the goal when clean through. Howarth flicked a pass straight into his path, and in the grey he toed it past the post. Then the referee, camouflaged in his black kit, reminded us where he stood by blowing the whistle.

2-2, the final score, was a fair result, even though the Otters had the better chances to take all three. But take into account the conditions, and the fact that the Darts are fourth in the league, the Otters were fairly content. Perhaps in dryer conditions NVR's leg's will not rust-up, and the results will become brighter once more.

Ottery St Mary: Dirty Boots, Watts, Webber, Williamson, Hitchcock (Veal), Sutcliffe, Van Basten, Bolt, Gill, Vaughan-Rhyll (Howarth), Cridland.

Monday 2nd January 2006

Throgmorton Cup Quarter-Final
Match report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary 5 Elburton Villa 1

Ottery moved a step closer to some silverware this season as they reached the semi-final of the Throgmorton Cup in emphatic style. The score line will suggest an easy victory for the Otters. It was far from that.

Just two days ago the Otters were under a siege at Teignmouth, where they rose from their trenches victorious. From the first whistle today they had to dig themselves back-in, as wave after wave of Villa assaults were launched on them. The trenches at Ottery are made of stern stuff; Ashford, Williamson, Webber and Hitchcock did their best to prevent keeper Pullen doing any real work. Which is lucky, because in his old-age Pullen will be laid-up for a week after playing three games in six days!

After a bruising, largely uneventful first-half (save the odd skirmish) we enter the second. Despite winning many free-kicks from a dubious referee (did he get a Villa kit for Christmas?) Elburton only provided Pullen with catching practice. That was until a slide-pass rule ten minutes into the half found a Villa striker with just the keeper to beat: 0-1.

That was the bombshell that Ottery needed, and the sporadic attacks they had launched before started to look more threatening.

As we enter 2006 Ottery striker Gavin Hammon seems to have entered a rich vein of form. And it was he who unlocked this tight game. Hitchcock moved the ball down the right to Vaughan-Rhyll. His nice control and pass found Boere. From almost the touch line he delivered a dangerous deep cross, where the nimble Hammon stretched and struck a juicy volley into the net. By this time his unselfish running and hassling where upsetting the Villa defence. Which in no-way explains why they decided to give him a free-header from the next corner: 2-1. In no time at all the Otters had shown the grit and determination to haul themselves back into the game and into the lead. But they were far from finished!

Boere, creator of goals one and two, decided to make it a hat-trick. The Villa defence were all at sea by now, so Boere sailed clean through, and with just the keeper to beat saw Bolt on his starboard side: 3-1!

It was Vaughan-Rhyll, brought into the fold at 0-1, who was contributing to the Otters come-back. And so he was rewarded with a well-taken goal. Maybe it was the mud that made him appear to dribble in slow motion. Whatever the reason, his finish when he got to 18 yards was thunderous: 4-1.

Hammon had been replaced after his second because the OSM management can not afford to pay him a hat-trick bonus. So super-sub Cridland provided the fifth, rounding the keeper and slotting in, just seconds before the final whistle went.

Elburton will be aggrieved that they lost so heavily in the end. Credit to every single Ottery player, who dug very deep into their Christmas Pudding and mince-pie reserves to at last provide the Washbrook faithful with a Christmas Cracker!

OSM: Pullen, Hitchcock, Williamson, Webber, Ashford, Collings (Gill), Whiteoak, Bolt, Boere, Howarth (Vaughan-Rhyll), Hammon (Cridland). Subs not used: Sutcliffe, Veal, Darke.

Saturday 31st December 2005

Axworthy's Devon League

Match report by John Carey

Teignmouth 2 Ottery St Mary 4

Combe Valley, home of Teignmouth, home of the league champions, and home of the muddiest pitch in the league, saw it's last action of 2005. But out of the mud the Otters fashioned one of their best performances of 2005, and a result that they have been threatening the whole year.

Revenge was on the minds of the boys from Ottery, after Teignmouth stole a last minute equaliser at Washbrook Meadows just over a month ago. So out of the blocks OSM came, like the last turkey at Christmas avoiding the gaze of the butcher. The Teignmouth defenders were soon made to look like turkeys, as butchers Howarth and Hammon set to their work. In a relentless spell of pressure, Hammon robbed the Teigns centre-half, rounded the keeper and slotted home the first.

Down both flanks the Otters came, with Gill and Sutcliffe. However, it was the industrious Asson in centre midfield who was orchestrating all the play, linking well with the 'butcher brothers' up-front. One such play found Howarth wide on the right. His precise driven cross was met with aplomb by Hammon on the volley, leaving the keeper with no chance. The Teigns were reeling, the crowd were stunned and the score was 0-2.

It did not end there. More hassling from the Hammon saw him round the keeper, but he could not on this occasion find the net. Sliding and driving through the mud the Otters drove on. If only they could have shown this class of finishing on Holiday Tuesday. It was now Howarth's turn to find the net. A lovely lob saw the defence and goalkeeper floundering and the score was 0-3. An even more impressive finish by Howarth was disallowed just moments later for a high foot.

If the teams were boxing the referee would have stopped the fight. But full credit to the league champions as they mounted a come-back. For the first time in the game the evergreen Pullen was called into action, to twice tip over the bar. He must surely be rated as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league. With confidence brimming he was cleaning-up the crosses and corners to take the Otters into a comfortable half-time lead.

If it was Ottery out of the blocks in the first half, it was a role-reversal in the second. But the Otters defence are no turkeys, and they held resolute. They dug their trenches in the ever-deepening mud, and camped themselves in their own half. Webber at centre-half was calm and snuffing out the play. Ashford, just back from injury, looked like he had never missed a game.

A few sorties into enemy territory should have wrapped the game up for Ottery, but the Blitz on the Ottery HQ eventually led to a headed goal and 1-3. Strangely though, the Teignmouth guns then went quiet. Hammon again had a few chances to secure his hat-trick, before he was cruelly taken-out of the game by a savage Teignmouth challenge. Desperate and frustrated by the Otters play, they had resorted to some moronic physical play.

They could not cut-down the diminutive Gill, who bombed his way into the opposition box. He glided a ball over the keeper to leave Cridland a simple tap-in and a 1-4 scoreline. In a last-gasp attempt to get something out of the game the Teigns threw five players up-front, and with three minutes to go they breached the trenches once more to take the score to 2-4. Too late to make a difference, and the war ended with a magnificent Ottery victory.

New Years honours for Asson and Hammon, whose gutsy determination and drive were behind this victory. The new years resolution will be to take this performance into Monday's Throgmorton Cup game against Elburton Villa, for a place in the semi-final. May it be a Happy New Year!

OSM: Pullen, Ashford (Darke), Webber, Williamson, Hitchcock, Sutcliffe, Bolt, Asson, Gill, Howarth (Cridland), Hammon (Collings).

Tuesday 27th December 2005
Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Carey

Budleigh Salterton 1 Ottery St Mary 0

On an icy day at Greenway Lane the game billed as a 'Christmas cracker' turned out to be more like an under-cooked turkey. Santa gave both teams too much to eat and drink, in this sluggish and scrappy match, but he also gave Budleigh the best present they could ask for. Like a bad boy at Christmas, they did not deserve this present, as they robbed the Otters with a 90th minute winner.

In the first thirty minutes Ottery dominated possession, chances, and corners all without effect. Howarth hit the bar with a nice drive, Gill had a few long range shots, but all without really challenging Page in the Budleigh goal. Budleigh's psychical approach earned them a few yellow cards, and in the Ottery goal Pullen was left out in the cold. That was as exciting as it got.

In the second half it got no better. Tired play and unimaginative build-up play from Ottery led to many ineffective crosses that never made a mark. Hammon had a few half-chances that squeezed wide, and Budleigh substitute Blurton forced Pullen into his only save of the match.

'Twas the minute before full-time and all through the ground, not a creature stirred, not even a hound. And so as the crowd dozed in the stands, dreaming of a nice warm house and a cup of tea, Budleigh, like Santa Claus on Christmas day, snuck in their Christmas present. A free-kick awarded to Budleigh bobbled around on the edge of the area where the Robins Andy Bennett struck an unstoppable volley past Pullen. Dumbstruck, gutted and down-cast the Otters left the field. Budleigh departed the field shaking their heads: the disbelief that they had won the game apparent.

The Otters must now pick themselves up, shed the Christmas hangover, and end the year on a high. This Saturday they face Teignmouth, who like Budleigh, robbed the Otters of three points in their last game.

Ottery St Mary: Pullen, Hitchcock, Webber, Williamson, Asson, Borai (Sutcliffe), Bolt, Whiteoak, Gill, Hammon, Howarth (Vaughan-Rhyll). Subs not used: Ashford, Cridland, Veal.

Saturday 17th December 2005 Axworthy Devon League

Ottery St Mary 1 Holsworthy 4

The battle of the form sides finished with an away win for Holsworthy as off-colour Ottery St Mary couldn't recover from a crazy few minutes midway through the second half to go down 4-1, their first league defeat in 9 games.

The visitors took the lead on 5 minuets when James Mayne rose unchallenged in the box to head into the bottom corner. It only took the Otters three minutes to equalise when the goalkeeper saved a well taken free kick only to push the ball to his right for Rob Webber to shoot low from a tight angle into the empty goal. Ottery then had the better of the first half exchanges with the front two, Hammon and Asson, both squandering good chances to put the home side in front. Then with the last kick of the first half, the visitors almost took the lead with a 30 yard shot from Bettis, which was tipped over the bar by Pullin.

The second half started with the visitors pushing more into attack and was an even contest til midway through, when what looked like a cross from Bettis looped over Pullin into the goal. Then only two minutes later Pullin rushed out and collided with his own defender and, while he was laid out, the ball found Rees to score from 6 yards out. From then on it was all Holsworthy as the Otters' heads went down and the inevitable fourth goal came from Bettis when a cruel deflection left Pullin wrong footed and went in the bottom corner of the goal.

Ottery will be hoping to bounce back and get back to winning ways when they make the short trip for the local derby against Budleigh Salterton on the 27th, where better to put this blip behind them.

Saturday 10th December 2005
Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Carey

Appledore 1 Ottery St Mary 3

The Otters continued their climb up the league, and have a top-six position in sight before the New Year. The Appledore defence didn't know whether it was New Year or New York as the Ottery front line started the game in a very lively fashion.

Hammon partnered Asson in attack, and their tireless and unselfish running ripped the opposition apart. Bolt in central midfield was pulling all the strings, and several good chances from Borai and Asson went begging early on.

Bolt is aided in midfield by the unsung-hero Whiteoak, whose dogged work often goes unnoticed. However, today he showed the sublime side of his game with a showboat finish. A flowing passing move saw Hammon and the diminutive Gill exchanging a one-two, with Gill providing a low cross to Whiteoak at the near post. Whiteoak then proceeded to fox the goalkeeper by stepping over the cross and Cruyff-ing the ball into the corner.

And so started a period of chances for the Otters where they looked to put the game to bed. Hitchcock twice missed chances from corners on his sponge head. The Appledore keeper then produced one of the saves of the season. Bolt had gone on a jinking run down the middle and let rip a drive that was sailing for the top-drawer, only for the keeper to get a finger-nail to the effort and tip it onto the bar. Borai was the craftsman down the left, with Asson having his fair share of opportunities to bury the game. It was not much longer until he took the hardest one of the lot. A cross from the right saw him seemingly defy gravity and hang in the air for what seemed an eternity. The ball eventually hit his noggin and sailed over the keeper's head for 2-0.

At half-time the warning signals were flagged by the management but these went unheeded. Appledore dominated the first twenty minutes of the half. Pullen was only tested once and made a fine save, but their endeavours were eventually rewarded. Gill, also a locally renowned pianist, was caught off-guard in the area, probably dreaming-up his latest concerto. The ball struck him on the arm, the result a lost musical masterpiece, an Appledore penalty, and 2-1.

Appledore could not build on this momentum and the Otters dug deep. This is a game that they would have drawn last season, but the spirit and confidence of the team is pulling them through. Asson and Hammon were soon rewarded for their hard work. 20 minutes to go and Asson chased down a long ball into the channel. He looped a cross over to Hammon who headed in the third. Soon after the two combined again in the same fashion, but this time Hammon saw his thunderous volley strike the meat of the bar.

Ottery will reveal new club mascot Pete the Pig to the home crowd in their next game against Holsworthy. A win there will then lead nicely into the mouth-watering Christmas cracker game against the Robins of Budleigh.

Ottery St Mary: Pullen, Hitchcock, Watts, Williamson, Skinny Adie, Borai, Bolt, Whiteoak, Jill, Hammon, Asson. Subs (all used): Darke and Vealy Drunk.

Saturday 3rd December 2005
Axworthy's Devon League
Match report by John Kettley aka Jon Carey

Ottery St Mary 1 Cullompton Rangers 0 MATCH ABANDONED HT

This week, Ottery's Washbrook Meadows ground was renamed Washed-Out Meadows. Their game against Cully was called-off at half-time when the Meadow resembled a lake. Against all logic the referee had decided the pitch was playable. Perhaps it was 45 minutes of soaking that changed his mind?

Cullompton would have felt like a team offered bad light in a test match. Not only 1-0 down, they were also down to 10 men after a string of rash challenges. The Otters had made all of the play, although it appeared to be in slow motion due to the waterlogged conditions. Unfortunately for OSM it was all irrelevant, like when Vaughan-Rhyll set-up Howarth for a goal that never was. What remains relevant: Webber's natural perm was ruined; the diminutive Gill successfully used a snorkel to traverse the puddles; and Detective Gartrell is on the case of Skinny Adie - who is this mysterious character?

Ottery travel to sunnier climes this weekend, making the long trip north to Appledore.

Saturday 26th November

Devon Premier Cup

Report from Jon Carey

Newton Abbot 3 Ottery St Mary 1

The law book on physics and probability were ripped-up at the County Ground as Ottery baffled supporters and scientists alike. They lost this tie in astounding fashion. We will have to ask the Abbotmen: did you use a force-field around your goal, a giant magnet, or have you done a deal with the devil?

Whatever the reason, the devil was in the Otters finishing. Their passing game was as slick as any seen this season, and they destroyed the Abbot's defensive line. Chance after chance went begging. First, Whiteoak hit the post with a low drive, and then managed to the same thing again moments later. Hammon joined in the farce, pulling the ball out of the air, but finishing plumb against an upright. He was then sent racing through from a mistake, only to see his finish glance past the now-jinked goal. Cridland's run and cross was met by Asson at the near post - but it was never going to find the net on a day like today.

Astonishingly the chances continued. From a corner Webber had a header gloriously saved, while Gill provided his normal menace down the right. These chances were punctuated by the odd Newton Abbot attack that was well contained by the OSM back-line. Pullen made a great double save, but apart from that he was rarely in action.

This reporter can think of no better summary of the first half than that provided by a Newton Abbot supporter from the stand: "You may as well go home Ottery - it's not your day today". Too right. The second half had that air of inevitability to it. With ten minutes on the clock Newton Abbot had glided down the left and finished into the goal that was so jinked in the first half! And guess what? They added two more to this - mainly due to poor tackling.

But with Ottery still dominating the game it was going to go the full distance. Whiteoak claimed his 'hat-trick' with a curling effort onto the crossbar. The unlucky Hammon saw a few efforts sail wide or saved. He certainly should have no ambitions to buy a lottery ticket this week. And Vaughan-Rhyl tip-toed his way past four defenders, found himself on the goal line, but could not find a finish!

The farce finally came to an end when Gill finished over the advancing keeper. It will take the devil himself to explain how this was the only one to find the net. But it was too late.

So Ottery were left out of the Premier Cup, left wondering how they can play any better, and left with a defeat to end their run of 9-games unbeaten. Newton Abbot were left needing a new coat of paint on their cursed goalposts!

Wednesday 16th November

Report from Jon Carey

Ottery St Mary 2 Teignmouth 2.

Ottery welcomed defending champions Teignmouth to Washbrook Meadows on a bitterly cold November night. This would be the litmus test of their unbeaten run, and they were provided with a spirited Teigns' team, looking for rejuvenation after a 9-3 thrashing the weekend before.

The night was cold, but the football was fiery. Teignmouth started well, and only a fantastic save from Pullen denied them an opener. Pullen has been in great form recently, and it takes something special to beat him at the moment.

It took twenty minutes for the Otters to warm up. Sloane and Howarth up front gave the Teignmouth defence a very rough ride. Coupled with the speed provided on the flanks by Gill and Hammon, OSM soon came into the game. Good saves from the Teignmouth keeper denied the front pair. Hammon was also blocked when he should have slotted in when clean through. In the end Teignmouth just couldn't cope with the pace. From a cleared corner, Sloane laid Gill in. The diminutive winger finished coolly over the advancing keeper for his eighth of the season.

Ottery looked like going into half-time with a solid lead. However, Teignmouth's Breslan was allowed to pick his pass through the Ottery defence. Hitchcock tried his best to cut the ball out, but his challenge was only deflected to a Teign's winger who blasted in from close range.

After the break it was all Ottery. Pressure from the left led to another corner. Howarth had been whipping in dangerous crosses all game: this time he found Sloane rising out of the masses to smash a header into the net.

The Otters had further chances to extend the lead. Not for the first time this season they failed to kill-off the opposition. With two minutes to go, Teignmouth were given a shooting chance in the box. A lazy challenge by Hitchcock resulted in a penalty. This was slotted away leaving Ottery no chance of scoring again themselves. Ottery remained unbeaten, but were devastated at finishing the game with only one point.

12th November 2005

Alphington 1 Ottery St Mary 2

Match report by John Carey

The Otters faced Alphington at their tight 'Chronicles' ground hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six games. Alphington looked to take advantage of a two-week break for Ottery and that keeper Pullen's new haircut might put off his defenders.

However, OSM made a very fast start to the game. Nigel Vaughan-Rhyll, back on the pitch he used to grace as a youngster (we have the black and white photo's to confirm this) linked well with Howarth, Gill and Cridland up front. Slick movement and early passing led to numerous chances that all went begging.

The goal was not long in coming. An Otters attack brought a corner from Harris in the Alpha's goal. Howarth swung a ball deep to the far post, where Vaughan-Rhyll rose like a salmon (tinned variety) and headed home.

The goal was probably the worse thing that could have happened for the Otters. Thinking that the game was already sewn-up they slowed their tempo and allowed Alphington a flicker of hope. A mis-pass by Webber outside his own area went right to Alpha's Fairchild. He spotted Pullen grooming his new hair-do and curled a shot over his head into the top corner. It took a top-drawer finish to break the Otters run of 5 clean-sheets.

Spurred back into action, Ottery fashioned some more good moves. Cridland will be having a sleepless night over the several chances he spurned. However, it was the other Ottery 'Tim' that put them back in control. Vaughan-Rhyll was again the creator, weaving his way to the by-line before cutting it back to Tim Whiteoak to provide his 'deadly' finishing from 2 yards.

The second half saw the Otters defending into a very low and strong sun, that left them playing very deep and allowing Alphington to come at them. Pullen was never really called on to spoil his haircut and make a save though. Harris in the Alpha's goal did well to save from Howarth, Cridland, Bolt and Hammon. The crossbar was the only thing that saved Alphington from another Vaughan-Rhyll header. And so the half remained goal-less and Ottery had a scrappily-earned 3 points.

2nd place Teignmouth make the trip to Washbrook Meadows this Wednesday, followed by leaders Ivybridge. The next seven days could be the making of the Ottery season. What will happen to Pullen's hair if he they go eight games undefeated? Watch this space!

Ottery St Mary team: Pullen, Webber, Franz-Williamson, Watts, Hitchcock, Gill (Sutcliffe), Whiteoak, Bolt, Cridland, Howarth (Asson), Vaughan-Salmon (Hammon). Subs not used: Veal, Smith.

29th October 2005

Ottery St Mary 3 Holsworthy 0

Ottery St Mary carried on their unbeaten run at rain soaked, wind swept Washbrook Meadows. The conditions made it difficult for both sides to establish any rhythm to their play. The Otters, kicking up the slope, began to take control of the game after the opening quarter of an hour and put the Holsworthy defence under pressure and it wasn’t long before the Otters scored. It came courtesy of a total mix-up in the Holsworthy defence when Nigel Vaughan-Ryall took advantage of a misunderstanding between the goalkeeper and fullback to nip between them and slot in the Otters first goal of the afternoon. After that it was one-way traffic and unbelievable that the Otters only scored the single goal in the first half.

The second half started with the Otters still in complete control with a good effort from Tim Whiteoak bringing a save out of the visitor’s keeper. Then, on the hour, Scott Howarth received the ball in the 18 yard box, took the ball across the box and hit the bar from 8 yards out. With the rebound coming back to him he played a nice one-two with Shane Gill and Howarth scored from an acute angle. More pressure from the Otters brought the third goal when Gavin Hammon shot low into the left hand corner under the advancing keeper. Hammon then could have made it four when he missed the target from 12 yards out.

A good win from the Otters in a game spoiled by the weather taking their unbeaten run to five games and five clean sheets, setting up a fourth round tie away to Newton Abbot on the 26^th of November.

22nd October 2005

Stoke Gabriel 0 - Ottery St Mary 4

The Otters travelled to Stoke's Churchward Memorial ground expecting a tough game. The management were worried that a team with just 5 points so far this season, and 46 goals conceded, were going to provide a stumbling block to their undefeated run. However, the only worry of the game for Ottery came in the first minute, when a Stoke player could only manage to head unmarked into the side netting from a cross. After this keeper Adie Pullin was only called into action a few times, waving at a few crosses - perhaps he saw someone he knew in the crowd!

The Otters gave a full-debut in centre midfield to new signing Jools Bolt, whose industrious running and passing set-up wave after wave of Ottery attacks. One such move involving Bolt, Vaughan-Ryall and Gill down the right-hand side set-up Scott Howarth for his first of the afternoon. A cool finish by Howarth settled the Ottery worries. Goal scorer then became provider for Gill. From the right-hand edge of the penalty area, diminutive Gill summoned up all his strength to strike a 'thunderbolt' into the top far-hand corner. The team celebrated what they thought was a lucky cross by Gill. This was strenuously denied by the winger afterwards, citing the fact that he can’t normally cross the ball as well as that!

The Otters were finding a lot of space down the right-hand side, with Gill and Hitchcock causing the Stoke defence problems with their pace. Gill, in the thick of the action once again, dispossessed the Stoke left-back. This time his 'thunderbolt' found the head of Howarth, who headed back across the keeper for a sublime finish.

The second half should have promised much the same….but sadly the Otters could not make pay for all the chances they had. Vaughan-Ryall, Hitchcock and Cridland all missed sitters. Ironically, the hardest chance of the half was put away with aplomb by Howarth. With the keeper clearing an Ottery effort and then finding himself out of position, Howarth placed a beautiful lob over the Stoke defence and into the net for his well-deserved hat-trick.

At the final whistle the Otters could celebrate an easy win - but more importantly a clean sheet to go with their slick attacking play. Howarth has added more finesse to the Otters finishing, but they still have a bit more work to do, making teams pay for all the creative work they put in. 4 clean sheets in a row will boost the Otters confidence as they go into next weeks Premier Cup game against Holsworthy at home.

Ottery team: Pullin, Veal, Williamson, Watts, Hitchcock, Cridland, Bolt, Whiteoak, Gill, Howarth, Vaughan-Ryall. Subs - all used: Webber, Sutcliffe, Collings.

19th October 2005

Ottery St Mary 2 Dartmouth 0

The otters recorded their second win in five days to take them up to 10th in the table with a comfortable win against Dartmouth at Washbrook Meadows.

Ottery St Mary took control of the game from the start, dominating midfield and attacking Dartmouth at every opportunity and it only took 12 minuets to break the deadlock when a great pass from midfield found Scott Howarth on the left he cut inside and shot from about 18 yards out to leave Griffith's in the Darts goal no chance.

The otters continued to dominate the rest of the first half and almost got a second on 35 minuets, when Scott Howarth put a low cross in from the left witch just eluded Shane Gill as he made a good run into the 6 yard box. Adie Pullin in the Otters goal wasn't called upon till the last minuet of the first half when he made a great save down to his left from Rankin.

A well organized Ottery St Mary side continued to boss the game in the in the second half as Dartmouth tried to get back in to the game, but they couldn't get through the well disciplined Otters defense. As the game went on the Otters pushed forward and eventually got a deserved second goal from new boy Dan Sloane on 85 minuets with an unstoppable shot from just inside the right hand side of the 18 yard box.

A lot of credit must go to Phil Margrett for a very well Disciplined Ottery St Mary Performance.

Star player-Scott Howarth

14th October

Ottery St Mary 1 Totness & Dartington 0

(Throgmorton Cup)

Ottery St Mary finally recorded their first home win of the season in a hard fought Throgmorton cup game against Totnes & Dartington. This was the visitors first league cup defeat in 3 years and also ended their 9 match unbeaten run.

The visitors started the brightest of the two sides, putting Ottery under some early pressure and bringing three good saves out of Adrian Pullin in the Otter's goal. 7 minutes before half time Totnes & Dartington, who had the better of the first half, were caught napping at the back when Ottery broke forward. Tim Whiteoak's low shot came back of the post and the rebound found Steve Hitchcock in the middle of the six yard box to side- foot the ball into the empty net.

The second half was more end to end, with the Otters having the better of the chances and should have wrapped the game up on 70 minuets when Tim Cridland broke forward only for his shot to be saved by the advancing keeper, and again five minuets later when Scott Howarth brought another good save out of the keeper.

Totnes & Dartington did have a late flurry to try and get something out of the game and in the 90th minute almost equalized with a 30 yard effort which brought a top draw save out of Adrian Pullin in the Otter's goal, tipping the ball over the cross bar.

The Final whistle brought relief to Ottery, deservedly winning their first home game of the season with a shock but well earned 1-0 score line .

Star Player, Ben Williamson..

7th October

Ottery St Mary 0 St Loyes 0

Ottery St Mary still haven't won in the league at Washbrook Meadows after this game of few chances. After being the better side for long periods had to settle for a point. The Otters leapfrog Crediton to go 12th in the league.

Bottom side St Loyes gained their first point of the season, at the 11th attempt, with a battling display that earned a goalless draw. Although still bottom the Exeter side will no doubt take heart from the defensive performance.

1/10/05

Ottery St Mary 2 Tavistock 5

A 15 minute spell at the start of the second half condemned the Otters to defeat in this FA Vase tie and must have left them rueing what might have been.

Following a brief initial flurry from the visitors, the Otters took control of proceedings and showed the resilience and determination needed to compliment their flowing style of football. With debutant Scott Howarth, signed in midweek from Crediton Utd, adding experience to their front line, the Otters comfortably gained control of the midfield where Rob Webber and Tim Whiteoak dominated and Shane Gill drove forward on the right flank. Clear cut chances were at a premium, but going up the slope the home side bossed the game and worked hard to consolidate in what should have been their more difficult half.

They deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes when a long ball forward saw Howarth take a touch past defender Nigel Pugh and run on to drive past Andy Meeds in the visitors goal. The Otters continued to boss the half and if a Steve Hitchcock header from a Shane Gill cross on 35 minutes had been six inches lower, how much different this tie could have been.

A half time dressing down obviously had its effect on the visitors as they emerged for the second period playing at a much higher tempo and Adrian Pullin in the home goal was called on to make a save low to his right from a Chris Menhenick drive and to tip over from a John Gosling run and shot within the first two minutes of the restart. On 50 minutes the tie turned when Pullin brought down Shane Krac in the area, got up to save the diminuitive midfielder's penalty only to be penalised for encroachment and was unable to repeat his heroics from the retake. This visibly inspired the visitors and demoralised their hosts so it was no surprise when on 53 minutes, a long through ball saw Marc Conday drive across Pullin into the far corner for the lead and two minutes later he repeated the dose when the Otters gave away possession in the middle third and having run thirty yards he shot home from inside the box. The Otters were now in reverse gear and it was somewhat predictable when, on 61 minutes, Glynn Hobbs turned and fired home from eight yards to put the tie beyond doubt.

The introduction of Nigel Vaughan-Ryall and Tim Cridland gave the Otters a new spark and they regained the initiative and a hold on the game when, on 70 minutes, Shane Gill escaped on the right and crossed only for Cridland's effort to be saved by Meeds but Gill followed up and drove home from an angle. If Martin Sutcliffe's ten yard drive from a Howarth lay off five minutes later had gone anywhere other than straight at Meeds, the game would have been very much back in the balance but the tide had turned and when substitute John Hajiyianni found space inside the Otters box on 80 minutes and drove home to complete the scoring, the fat lady was singing her chorus.

A demoralised Pete Gartrell said afterwards, "How can you boss a game for over an hour and let in five goals? It's unbelievable. At half time we were 1-0 up and the players said amongst themselves that we had to reach the hour mark in front by which time we were 4-1 down. We put in an excellent first half and threw it away in a mad 15 minutes spell when for some inexplicable reason we just fell apart as soon as we found ourselves under a bit of pressure."

This weekend the Otters return to their league campaign with a Friday night fixture at home to St Loyes to avoid a clash with the England international on the Saturday. They are due to welcome back striker Saul Bloxham on a full time basis and there are rumours of at least one more new face entering the Washbrook Meadows ranks as the Ottery management trio openly look to add a resilience to the side that should see them climb the league table to a position more befitting of the quality that undoubtedly lies within their squad.

17/9/05

Cullompton Rangers 1 Ottery St Mary 2

Assistant Manager Phil Maigrett was not as happy as you might expect following his sides 2-1 win at Cullompton Rangers on Saturday, he said, " I am extremely disappointed that we did not "kill this game " off when given the chance early on, and as did happen, when you enjoy the lions share of possession and create the chances and do not score goals then you are always liable to a sucker punch and that is exactly what happened to us ". The Otters assistant boss was particularly unhappy with his sides inability to play the ball though mid field and whilst they were given time and space on the flanks the middle field play was no where near what Maigrett feels his side are capable of.

The Otters had as many as six scoring opportunities in the first quarter of the game, indeed home goal keeper Mike Taylor was in inspired form and twice denied Gavin Hammon in the opening salvos. Taylor also kept out efforts by Rob Webber, Shane Gill and Danny Williams as Ottery bossed the game and it was completely against the run of play when they went behind on 28 minutes. Cullompton were awarded a free kick just outside the box and Danny Bailey fired it into the wall which broke and the ball took a wicked deflection leaving Adrian Pullin helpless as it nestled in the corner of the net. It seemed the goal surprised everybody for nobody, neither spectator or Cully player seemed to realise it had actually gone into the net and there was the bizarre scenario of the goal being scored and no celebratory noise to acknowledge it !

Just four minutes later the Otters were back on level terms when after good work by Marty Sutcliff a corner was won on the left and when it was swung in Steve Hitchcock leapt higher than anybody else to score with a powerful header.

A back injury to Peter Darke forced him out of the game and he was replaced by Lee Chapman and just before the break Williams fired over after a neat interchange with Shane Gill.

The 2nd half began in similar fashion to the first with Ottery the dominant force and only some fine goalkeeping and desperate defending keeping them at bay. Gills excellent cross was nearly met by Sutcliffe, home keeper Taylor denied Hitchcock from yet another header following a corner and Taylor again spread himself superbly to deny Hammon as the home side defended stubbornly.

On 65 minutes Hammon was replaced by Tim Cridland and moments later the Otters were forced into a major change when Hitchcock suffered an ankle injury and he limped out of the action being replaced by Chris Veale. Moments later Danny Williams crashed a header against the upright.

The goal that surely had to come, finally did on 80 minutes, when substitute Cridland latched onto a through ball and smacked it past Taylor to give Ottery a deserved lead. Thereafter the home sides stepped up a gear in search of an equaliser. Pullin was called into action a couple of times in the closing moments and home Manager Ray Pratt, at the ripe old age of 49, came on for the last four minutes but the Otters held firm and still created a couple more chances themselves and when the referee blew his whistle it was to signal an important three Axworthy League points for the Otters.

Star Man - Shane Gill

10/9/05

Plymstock United 1 Ottery St Mary 1

In a quirk of the Devon League fixture computer, the Otters visited last season's runners up only three weeks after having allowed them to escape from Washbrook Meadows with a point in a 0-0 draw and staged a partial recovery from their previous two results in a game which was described as a "marvellous advert for the Devon League" by one of the home supporters.

Still missing three key central midfielders and with Danny Williams as the only recognised striker in the squad, the Otters adopted a 4-5-1 formation in an effort to show some grit so far missing from their play this season. This worked in the opening 15 minutes as tackles were made and possession won without any real penetration as Williams became isolated and the Otters only sporadically found the wide areas. The home side the began to dominate with striker Glen Palmer winning the aerial battle and Matt Purnell's distribution from midfield becoming increasingly effective. Palmer's header against the bar on 20 minutes was the closest they came to opening their account although shots from Lee Morgan, Danny Lewis and Purnell all had Adrian Pullin in the home goal at full stretch.

Plymstock opened the scoring on the half hour when a corner from the Otters right was cleared to the far side of the box and a pass inside to Lewis saw him take a touch and strike home a rising drive from 20 yards. The half ended with the Otters having not really tested Paul Pethick in the home goal.

At half time, the Otters switched to their more customary 4-4-2 with Shane Gill moving up to partner Williams and with a new found desire that can only have come from their half time deliberations. This had immediate effect as roles were reversed and they began to find time and space in the wide areas and were able to give the home defenders more to think about. Looking strangely threatening from set pieces, Steve Hitchcock and Rob Webber went close from headers and Gill became the link into the final third. They eventually got their reward on 70 minutes when Martin Sutcliffe threaded a ball through to Williams who took a touch and drove past Pethick from 6 yards. Total dominance followed until the final 5 minutes when three fruitless corners to the home side preceded the final whistle.

"I would have taken a point before the game but you always want more when you've bossed the second half" was Manager Pete Gartrell's response after the game. "We showed some aggression, dug in when we had to and a draw was probably a fair result. We will be at full strength from this week and must now move it on from here."

The Otters make the short trip to Speeds Meadow this week to take on Cullompton Rangers whose form always has an upturn as the cup competitions start and the Otters will need to proceed with caution if they are to find overdue success.

6/9/05

Ottery St Mary 1 Newton Abbot Spurs 4

An Otters side blighted by unavailablity continued to show some unwanted habits as they now have only one point from four home games, again gave away a lead and again had the lions share of possession but failed to hammer home the advantage. They could point to the absence of eight of their normal squad and five changes from the previous starting line up as point in fact but a dip into the transfer market must be imminent to rectify what is becoming a worrying lack of finishing ability.

Again they took an early lead on 8 minutes when Danny Williams opened his season's scoring account with an angled 15 yd drive from a Billy Jaworski cross but their lead again only lasted briefly as on 14 minutes Spurs were level when a long ball dropped over right back Ben Ashford and a lack of cover allowed Tom Lambourne to run on and drive past Adrian Pullin to level the score.

On 19 minutes the visitors were in front when another Lambourne shot from a similar angle was palmed away by Pullin only for Dan Spargo to react quickest and tap in from point blank range. This was the cue for the Otters to dominate but their fluent passing game lacked an edge and once again cross after cross either never reached the right area or was comfortably dealt with by the Spurs defence who were excellently marshalled by Jason Morris and were never pressurised enough to force a mistake.

The second half started in disastrous fashion with a speculative Paul Froude shot taking a wicked deflection and completing wrong footing Pullin who had to stand rooted and watch the ball creep inside the post. The game then ebbed and flowed as an inevitablility descended over Washbrook Meadows and the evening concluded with Lambourne scoring his second after another long ball managed to find its way past the Otters rearguard and was driven home from the edge of the box.

A closed Otters changing room door afterwards said it all as it is obvious their fluent passing game needs to develop an aggressive edge and they are in need of someone who can cause oppostion defences problems in and around their six yard box. Their last two games have seen them beaten only by resilience and a refusal to lie down, qualities the Otters could heed although a consistency of selection would undoubtedly help their cause. Surely the holiday season is over by now in more ways than one.

2/9/05

Ottery St Mary 1 Buckland Athletic 3

"Sometimes you just don't get what you deserve" was manager Pete Gartrell's rueful reflection after the Otters returned to their old ways and totally dominated their opponents but showed an inability to turn dominance and possession into the all important goals that would have seen this game over as a contest by half time.

A healthy Washbrook Meadows crowd must have thought their team was in for a comprehensive victory as the Otters opened strongly and showed a fluent passing game with Gavin Hammon and Shane Gill prominent as wave after wave of attack cut through the Buckland rearguard. On 8 minutes this flow was rewarded as a partial clearance fell to Danny Williams who threaded a through ball past the retreating Hammon and into the path of Gill who calmly rounded Paul Sharples in the visiting goal and side footed home much to the diminuitive midfielder's delight after his summer move from Buckland.

The Otters continued to flow but were pulled level on 13 minutes when a long ball forwards fell to Greg Wilson wide on the Bucks right and when the portly general wasn't closed down quickly or closely enough he passed across the Otters rearguard for Clive Wright to side foot home at the far post from a yard out. Fully expecting the obvious offside flag, the Otters defenders were right to question why their next job was to reassemble for the resultant kick off. This did not stop the flow of the game though as Sharples saved from a Gill drive, a Hammon shot hit the post and a Williams header went straight into the keeper's arms as the Otters questions went unanswered. In fact, when Hammon ran clear in the visitor's penalty box only to be dragged back by a Mark Harding shirt pull, the home faithful were fully expecting the off balance striker's soft shot to be pulled back for a penalty kick and a red card, but again no whistle came and Buckland continued to ride their luck. Meanwhile, Adrian Pullin in the home goal did not have save to make in the half as, despite their superior numbers in the central midfield area, the visitors were unable to impose themselves on the game.

The second period began with a Hammon shot grazing the Buckland post, followed by Sharples making an excellent save low to his left from a Gill shot. When a Tim Whiteoak volley also went just wide it was probably no great surprise when on 70 minutes the visitors took the lead. A corner was headed clear by Steve Hitchcock but fell to Danny Davis on the edge of the Otters' box and his miskick bobbled inside the far post much to the disbelief of all of the home contingent. Within a minute the game was settled when visiting striker Shaun Hadley collected a pass 35 yds from goal and having half turned Chris Watts unleashed a shot from the outside of his right boot which found the top corner of the Otters net. A better finish will not be seen in the Devon League this season.

A dispirited Otters then visibly wilted as it became obvious Lady Luck was wearing white although they still pressed and had the territorial advantage, the cutting edge was gone from their approach play. "I can look across the team and say no-one had a poor game tonight" said Gartrell afterwards. "In fact we played very well and other than needing to work on our pass or shoot choices in the final phase, we are in the groove and it will come."

The Otters visit Deans Cross, Plymouth next weekend where Plymstock Utd lie in wait after a quirk of the League fixture computer sees them again facing last season's runners up who escaped from Washbrook Meadows with a 0-0 draw only three weeks ago.

20/8/05

OTTERY ST MARY 0 PLYMSTOCK UTD 0

On a baking hot afternoon at Washbrook Meadows, an Otters side missing five regulars and containing five teenagers in the starting line up dominated last season's league runners up, kept a second consecutive clean sheet and if one of the numerous chances they created had found the net there would have been no way back for the visitors.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Ottery were soon in the ascendancy with new front pairing Gavin Hammon and Tim Cridland causing the Plymstock defence all sorts of problems with their intelligent movement and pace which saw them in behind their opponents rearguard wih an alarming regularity. Hammon had shots saved by the keeper and into the side netting early on and Cridland could have done better with a finish from the edge of the six yard box which went over when it would have been easier to score. Shane Gill playing in an unaccustomed wide left position had a shot which scraped the post and Tim Whiteoak's drive from 20 yards had Lee Carew in the Plymstock goal scrambling down low to concede one of many corners.

The visitors never really came to grips with the Otters movement and were forced to rely on scraps as they tried to keep possession in the attacking half although their occasional forays never resulted in a save for Nathan Murphy in the home goal. Half time came and went and should have brought more problems for the Otters as they turned round to play uphill but this never materialised as they continued to get behind the Plymstock back line but as has been a pre season trait, couldn't supply the finishing touch to good possession in and around the opponents penalty box.

Gill, Cridland, Hammon, Martin Sutcliffe and substitute Mark Simic all had chances in the second period but the elusive breakthrough wouldn't come and the Otters nearly paid the ultimate price when a looping Chris Maskell header had Murphy scrambling backwards to tip over the bar and complete his only real involvement in the game. A last ditch header by Simic from a Ben Ashford free kick should have broken the deadlock but as if to sum up the Otters afternoon, it went straight into Carew's arms when a foot either side would have given the home side their just desserts.

A reflective Otters manager said afterwards, "With so many players missing I would have taken a point before the game but the lads played so well I'm not sure how we didn't get all three. We could have won 3-0 in each half and if we had won 4-0 in the end, I don't think anyone could have argued. We are moving in the right direction and have played to our strengths in the last two games so when we get our squad settled and get down to the nitty gritty of the season hopefully we'll have it right."

The Otters make the short trip to the University of Exeter this Saturday (3pm) where the unpredictable students lie in wait.

18/8/05

ST LOYES 0 OTTERY ST MARY 2

The Otters went some way to reparing the damage of their opening day defeat with a comfortable midweek victory over their hosts.

In front of a good away following, the Otters took control of the game from the start and although they lacked the killer finishing touch around the edge of the St Loyes penalty box, they created a number of chances which should have seen them out of sight by the half time break. In fact, the only score of the first half came on 26 minutes when Shane Gill crossed from the right, a Rob Webber finish was bravely blocked by Nick Coles in the home goal and the ball fell to Danny Williams about 12 yards out. His shot across the St Loyes goal found Tim Cridland arriving at the far post to slot home his second goal in as many games.

This was the icing on a dominant first half which saw a busy Webber have a hat trick of scorable chances, each of which went begging whether it was as a result of Coles making a save, a last ditch tackle or shots off target. Gill also saw his shot hit a post and a Ben Williamson header from a corner grazed the outside of the corner flag as the Otters dominated for long periods without ever looking like killing off the game. There were worried looks on the faces of the Washbrook Meadows supporters as the half time whistle sounded with only a single score separating the sides.

The second period continued much in the same vein as the first, with Ottery in the ascendancy and chances going begging. Webber's innovative midfield play again caused problems for the home side but still the local boy was unable to add his name to the scoresheet and it was only the introduction of Gavin Hammon on the hour which gave the Otters more of a cutting edge in their forward play. In fact on 70 minutes, it was the diminuitive striker who reached a Tim Whiteoak through ball before Coles and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper to seal the Otters win.

"We still haven't settled into the pattern of play which suits us best" said a satisfied Otters manager afterwards, "but we've picked up three points, kept a clean sheet and I'm hoping we will get stronger as players come into the season from their various summer commitments."

The Otters face last season's runners up in Plymstock Utd tomorrow (3pm) in what promises to be a much sterner test for the Washbrook Meadows side.

13/08/05

OTTERY ST MARY 3 TOTNES&DARTINGTON SPORTS 4

When Tim Cridland shot across Matt Congdon in the visitors goal inside five seconds the early indications were bright but the Otters did not impose their flowing game on their opposition and were soon playing at a pace which suited their opposition much more. It was therefore no surprise when, on 14 minutes, a corner from the Otters right was headed goalwards under minimal pressure by John Potter and Tom Comyn was allowed to control the ball, turn and shoot home from the edge of the six yard box.

As has become an unwelcome habit at Washbrook Meadows, going behind before coming back to lead saw the Otters level on 22 minutes when a Gavin Hammon cross was headed back towards the near post and Nigel Vaughan-Ryall shot home from close range. Within ten minutes they were in front when another cross from Hammon saw Vaughan-Ryall turn provider as his header was drilled home by Cridland arriving late at the far post. Having recovered the situation, the home side then proceeeded to switch off again and an angled shot from Totnes & Dartington striker, Chris Hooper, hit the outside of the post before half time arrived with the home side in front.

Within five minutes of the restart however, Jake Powell in the home goal cleared a wide ball directly to Comyn who took a touch and side footed into the unguarded net from fully 40 yards. This stroke of fortune encouraged the visitors who then took the lead on the hour when a headed clearance fell to Miles Chalcraft on the edge of the Otters box and the midfielder struck home a volley from 20 yards. The visitors then increased their lead on 70 minutes when Andy Widdicombe was allowed to dribble from the half way line before shinning home a shot from 20 yards.

The Otters pulled one back on 85 minutes when a Martin Sutcliffe cross was headed home at the far post by Shane Gill and they nearly drew level at the death when a Danny Williams header went straight into Congdon's arms from close range.

Otters manager Pete Gartrell, starting his fourth season at the helm said afterwards, "We're disappointed. They were not a good side but we failed to take the game to them and paid the price. Conceding four goals simply isn't acceptable. When we played anything like we have been, we scored twice and totally controlled the game but it only lasted 15 minutes and then it seemed like we were afraid to dominate."

The Otters are at home to Plymstock Utd this weekend and will be looking to kickstart their home form with a far superior performance to this.

10/8/2005

OTTERY ST MARY FC

Washbrook Meadows appears to have a been a busy place in the close season with big changes taking place both on and off the pitch as the club embarks on a two year plan which it hopes will see it participating in the Premier Division of the new Devon and Cornwall League for the 2007/8 season.

On the playing side of the club there has been substantial movement during the summer months with Anthony Osborne and Danny Minto (Budleigh Salterton), Ben Mackie (moved away), Mark Simic and Dave Court (Feniton) and Richard Steer (Elmore) all beginning their seasons at pastures new. However, these have been more than adequately covered with Rob Webber and Chris Veal (St Loyes), James Ansell (Yeovil Town Academy), Liam Collings (Clyst Rovers), Martin Sutcliffe (Dartington), Shane Gill (Buckland Athletic), Gavin Hudd (Crediton Utd), Adrian Pullin (Cullompton Rangers), Ross Anderson (local football), and Jake Powell (Exeter Civil Service) all joining the Ottery staff. Added to those new faces are existing players Tim Cridland, Tim Whiteoak and Nigel Thomas who will all now be regularly available and it is hoped two more established Devon League players will join the ranks when notices of approach expire next week. You can be assured the Herald will be the first to bring you this and all your other footballing news as it breaks.

Pre season has also been extremely active with a tough campaign against Western league clubs Chard Town, Wellington Town, Exmouth Town, Clevedon Utd, Bridport and Dawlish Town testing old and new faces alike and producing an even but mixed bag of results and nine different scorers which should please the clubs supporters as they await the arrival of Totnes and Dartington Sports Club to Washbrook Meadows for their first Axworthys Devon League game tomorrow (3pm).

That is not all which is new at Ottery this season with the emergence of an -18 squad under the direction of Paul Ashford competing alongside Tiverton Town and a host of other Western League clubs in the Somerset Floodlight Youth League. It is clear the club intends to continue to provide a high quality of football aimed totally at East Devon's youth as all of the players in this most senior youth team will be drawn from within a 15 mile radius of the club as it continues in its efforts to involve the local community in everything it does. Other boys youth teams at -13, -12, -11, -10, and -9 age groups as well as girls teams at -12 and -10 age groups will compete in local leagues as the ever expanding number of players brings more and more calls for additional land on which to house Ottery's youth.

Away from the playing side of the club, there have also been a number of changes with Greg Layzell emerging from the Youth ranks as Vice Chairman to Graham Brown balancing the loss of long standing Committee member Graham White who has decided to call time on his duties after many years service. The club has also joined the world of technology with the introduction of its website at www.otterystmaryfc.co.uk under the watchful eye of Webmaster Steve Flinders believed to be the only Chesterfield fan in the town!! The site will house up to date news, fixtures, scores and scorers from all of the clubs teams and will hopefully be the primary source of social events and indoor sports at the club as well as housing contact numbers for each area of the club's activities.

The club has also taken advantage of new rules governing its opening times to request extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights until 12.30am starting in November, during which it is hoping to host a variety of live entertainment for the enjoyment of its members and their guests. It seems the club is making a genuine effort to make itself somewhere all the family can go at various times and to become a place where both indoor and outdoor sports, entertainment as well as food and drink can all be enjoyed by anyone who wants to drop in.

So, with new projects everywhere and more help needed to run club affairs the call for pairs of hands goes out to everyone wanting to become involved in a worthwhile venture. Maybe a visit to witness the start of the new season tomorrow at Washbrook Meadows as the Otters take on the Darts as the scrap for league points begins with a 3pm kick off.

Girls Under 12 Reports

Sunday 2^nd April Firegirls Under 12’s

Sidmouth Strikers 0 Ottery Firegirls u12 3

The Ottery firegirls under 12’s came to the climax of their season with a local derby with Sidmouth Strikers. This is always a closely fought game with both teams knowing each other and the Firegirls being depleted with girls still out with injuries, the team on the day turned out with no substitutes, but their heads were still high and brimming with confidence. The Firegirls kicked off and immediately took control of the game passing the ball around from winger Holly Daly across the field with their smooth flowing technique and steadily building until the first goal came from Georgia Strawbridge. After this goal the firegirls seamed to want to sit back and let Sidmouth come at them soaking up the pressure, the defence of Beth Willis and Varrie Neilsen taking it in their stride and Holly Salter in goal pulling off a couple of good saves. In the second half the firegirls added a little more spark and got back in control of the game, and eventually the second goal came from Jadine Dyer, shortly followed by the third goal by firegirl of the match Leah Gething.

This was The firegirls last League match and beating Sidmouth confirmed that they have won the Isca Girls League. Greg and Mark are very proud of what the girls have achieved over the two years the Firegirls have been running and look forward to them going from strength to strength in the future.

Next Sunday the Firegirls will be playing Torbay Colts (winners of the South Hams League) at home. They will also be presented with the cup for winning The Isca League at Ottery St Mary Football Club.

On Saturday the 25^th March There was a tournament hosted by the Isca league as the weather was a little inclement and the going was a little on the heavy side, but the Firegirls enjoyed the tournament all the same.

The under 12’s came second in their group losing in the final to Exmouth Town 1 – 0 which was a great achievement as due to injuries during the tournament we had to bring two girls up from the Under 10’s, these girls played very well against players 2 years their senior and did not let the team down. The older girls were a little down hearted as this was a tournament for the taking.

The Firegirls would like to send their best wishes to Alex Spencer who has a suspected Broken arm.

Ottery Firegirls Under12s Sunday 5th March 2006

Totnes 5 Ottery Firegirls under 12s 0

The Ottery Firegirls under 12’s on Sunday had a friendly against Totnes Town, with a few girls missing from the squad for this match and it being a friendly we experimented with putting some of the girls in different positions from their usual, Totnes played well and with a lot of pace up front did manage to break us down but the scoreline did flatter Totnes being 5 – 0 . Firegirls under 12’s goalkeeper Holly Salter played well in goal and none of the goals were down to her, in fact none of the girls let the team down. Next Sunday they are all looking forward to playing the winners of the South Hams League. Steve Amos Ottery Youth Chairman selected and presented Varrie Neilsen with the Firegirls under 12’s girl of the match.

The whole of the Firegirls would like to wish Cara White a speedy recovery and are looking forward to seeing Cara back in the Squad.

0ttery Firegirls Under 12s Sunday 29th Jan 2006

Ottery Firegirls 2 Sidmouth Strikers 1

The Ottery Firegirls under 12’s also played Sidmouth Strikers on Sunday in the Isca under 12’s league with the Firegirls winning all their matches this season it is hard to fault their ability but teams do become complacent and think this is beginning to show in this team. The Firegirls made hard work of this fixture the team was unusually quiet and distant, but again they still kept battling through and the first goal came from Leah Gething and that was how it stayed up to halftime. In the second half things became better and it was made 2 – 0 after a lot of good work from Cara White, a few minutes before the end Sidmouth did manage to get a goal back against the run of play. Firegirl of the match was Cara White who covered a lot of ground with her match enthusiasm. Next Saturday The Firegirls are away to Colyton this will be a hard game as Colyton are second in the league behind the Firgirls.

Ottery Firegirls Under 12 Sunday 22 Jan 2006

Firegirls 8 Exmouth Town 2

Exmouth Town under 12’s also visited Ottery Firegirls under 12’s in the Isca League match With both teams fielding players that had been in action at Bristol the weekend before, being selected for Devon area team against Somerset there was quite a bit of rivalry. But there was only ever one team in this match. The first goal came from Varrie Neilsen a left footed half volley from the edge of the box, Greg wants to know what she was doing out of defence? The second came from Alex Spencer who should also of had two other goals but were stopped with good saves from the Exmouth keeper. There then followed a hatrick from the ever active Leah Gething. After half time the Firegirls became a little laxidazical and Exmouth pulled two goals back but that was the shake the girls needed and again they regrouped settled and went back to doing the job they were there for, Cara White with her nifty footwork scoring two goals and finally Georgia Strawbridge slotted away to make the final score 8 – 2. Another awesome performance from the whole squad who took part in this match.

Sat 10^th Dec

Firegirls 4 Colyton 0

On Saturday Ottery Firegirls Under 12’s played Colyton at home in this Isca League match. After some deliberation on which pitch the girls would be playing on due to the weather of late and the help of Robin Perryman and John Burrows the pitches were brought up to a playable standard. The girls started out well with a full squad available apart from goal keeper Holly Salter but Jadine Dyer filled the slot with a fine performance. The fire girls shaped up well and soon slotted into their usual formation, the defence as usual solid and aware when Colyton did manage to break through. The first goal came from captain of the day Leah Gething with her strength and sure footedness taking the ball through and scoring. The next three goals came from Alex Spencer who seems to have her sights on target with the help of the rest of the team helping her. The whole squad seems to be working as a unit and with no matter who comes on from the bench the team still keeps its shape. Three more points in the bag and the team still hungry for more. Firegirl of the match was Leah Gething but as usual it was very hard to single out one girl.

13/11/05

Exmouth Town 2 Firegirls 6

The Ottery Firegirls under 12’s played their first league game of the season away to Exmouth Town. This was a hard fixture to fulfill with the bug that is hitting Ottery at the moment but the girls arrived ready and eager after first supporting the under 10’s. the game started very even with the Exmouth girls matching the Firegirls attacks, but Alex Spencer slotted away the first goal to settle the team down, this goal was followed by super sleuth Varrie Neilsen detecting the goal and putting the ball right where it should be. With this the girls seemed to take their foot off the peddle and let Exmouth get a goal back. After half time the Firegirls got the sirens blaring and a screamer of a goal came from Leah Gething. But again the girls stepped back and were punished with an Exmouth goal. Again the firegirls blazed forward with Hannah Arbury and Cara White linking up to let Cara at last get rewarded with a goal. The next move came from Hollie Salter in goal having a big clearance out to Jadine Dyer with some nifty footwork passing on to Leah Gething to claim her second goal, the sixth goal came from the day’s captain Alex Spencer, who also received the Firegirl of the match award.

22/10/05

Sidmouth Strikers 2 Firegirls 2

The under 12’s firegirls played first against Sidmouth strikers, the firegirls started slow and seemed a bit out of sorts not playing their normal passing game instead using the long ball and not quite being able to latch onto the final ball with the Striker breaking away with two goal the half time score being 2 – 0 after the break we moved things around and Alex Spencer managed to pull one back this seemed to settle the girls a little and we managed to get back control of the game with our more usual passing game Our second goal came from a move from the back forward through the midfield to Cara White who slotted it away to perfection. Girl of the match was Hollie Salter who played a blinder in goal.

8/10/05

Firegirls 4 Colyton Girls 1

On Saturday Ottery Fire Girls under 12’s played a friendly 11 a side game against Colyton Girls. It was the first time our girls had played a 11 a side game and they were a little bit in awe about playing on a full size pitch, but with their usual confidence they were ready to take on any challenge.

The team layout had to be changed as the Firegirls normally play in a 7 a side league witch meant normal rotation of players was not needed and the team adopted a 4;4;2 formation. (come and watch them Sven to see how it should be done).

With new goalkeeper Holly Salter in goal the Firegirls started playing up the slope and immediately took control of the game with captain Alex Spencer leading her team with her natural enthusiasm and scoring the first of her two goals. Colyton started to come back at the firegirls, but with a back four of Varrie Neilson, Beth Willis, Hannah Arbury and Verity Lee holding the line there was no way through. Firegirls midfield of Holly Daly, Georgia Strawbridge, Alex Spencer and Jessica Jenkins began to work together pushing the ball forward to the strikers Jadeen Dyer and Cara White who with her impressive ball skills managed to beat Colyton’s defence on several occasions and managed to score one goal, the Firegirls forth goal came from Georgia Strawbridge who connected with a long range shot. In the closing stages Colyton kept pushing and managed to beat our defence and score a late consolation goal.

Firegirls manager Greg Layzell said afterwards " It was a very close fought game with the skill and enthusiasm of both teams shinning through, with the 4–1 result being a little flattering for the Firegirls but they definitely deserved the win. Our three substitutes who did not manage to come onto the game were under 10 players Sammy Layzell, Jolene Spencer and Deryn Spencer"

Girls Under 10s Reports

Sunday 2^nd April Firegirls Under 10’s

Sidmouth Strikers 3 Ottery Firegirls u10 0

The Ottery Firegirls under 10’s finished their season in the Isca league with a hard game at Sidmouth Strikers, the firegirls under 10’s did not seem to get started in this local derby, as they were under pressure right from the start with a very strong Sidmouth side. The Sidmouth side went ahead in the first half with a good goal, this did fire the girls up a little and they came back into the game. In the second half all the pressure came from Sidmouth and if it hadn’t been for the defence of Lara Feast and Sammy Layzell and goal keeper Zoe Packer there could have been a few more goal than the 3 – 0 scoreline

This coming Sunday the Firegirls under 10’s will be at home to Torbay Colts this friendly will be their last game of the season. Greg and Mark would like to thank them for all their enthusiasm that has stayed with them all season long and look forward to seeing them build on this first year in the league and go on forward to next season.

Saturday 25th March Devon Festival of Football at Exeter City

The under 10’s came forth in their group losing in the semi final to Exmouth Town 3 – 0 again the girls gave 100% and were a credit to Ottery St Mary with their grit and determination. The smiles that you could just about see through all the mud on their faces shows how much these girls are enjoying what started out to be a test to see if girls football would take off in Ottery, but things are going from strength to strength. We will be looking forward to seeing new players arriving when we start taking names for next season.

Ottery Firegirls Under10s Sunday 5th March 2006

Totnes 1 Firegirls Under10s 5

The Ottery Firegirls under 10’s played away to Totnes Town in the Isca League. After the kick off being delayed for 40 minutes due to the pitch being frozen for the team on the pitch before our girls. The firegirls soon warmed and with their attacking flare soon went ahead with a goal from Georgie Gething this seemed to open up the Totnes team and there soon followed two more goals from Jolene Spencer and Jessica Jenkins to take the score to 3 - 0 up to half time. In the second half it took a lot to get going again with Totnes pushing forward down the slight slope Lara Feast and Sammy Layzell keeping them at bay in defence with the ever active Zoe packer commanding her goal area. But the fire in the Firegirls burnt bright again and moved the score up with two more goals from Georgie Gething and Jolene Spencer, but in the last few minutes they let their guard down and Totnes claimed a goal back, again it was an ever improving Firegirls under 10’s performance. Watching the game this week was Ottery Youth Chairman Steve Amos who selected and presented Jessica Jenkins with the trophy for Firegirl of the match.

Ottery Firegirls under 10s Sunday 29th Jan 2006

Ottery Firegirls under10s 0 Sidmouth Strikers 4

The Ottery Firegirls under 10’s played home to Sidmouth Strikers on Sunday in the Isca league match. They started well going up against a very tall and big Sidmouth side, but the firegirls with their usual enthusiasm would not lay down and kept fighting to keep Sidmouth out but halfway through the first half Sidmouth got their first goal and their second came just before half time. In the second half the Firegirls again came out with the bit between their teeth and several attacks on goal the size of the under 10s keeper blocked the goal Sidmouth did get two more goals in the second half to make the final score 4 – 0 to Sidmouth. Firegirl of the match was Zoe Packer who made some blinding saves . Next weekend the Firegirls under 10’s are without a fixture but will be back the following weekend.

Ottery Firegirls under 10s Sun 22 Jan 2006

Firegirls 8 Exmouth Town 1

Exmouth Town visited Ottery Firegirls under 10’s in what is always a hard and battling Isca league fixture and this was not to be any different. With the pitch a little frost firm on this January morning the Firegirls soon heated it up. The game started quite even with shots from Exmouth being saved from keeper Zoe Packer, and the defence of Lara Feast and Sammy Layzell, then after a short time The Firegirls settled into their formation and the goals were soon to start flowing the first from Jolene Spencer this being the first of four she would score today. With the score being 3 – 0 at half time the girls had set the game at their pace. After the break Jolene scored her fourth and the fire girls sat back and Exmouth came back into it scoring their goal of the day, again the Firegirls stepped up a gear and the other Spencer twin Deryn started her attack on goal and finishing up with a hatrick. With Jessica Jenkins, Gemma Youlden and Hannah Gregory steadying it down in midfield and Hannah Gregory scoring the game was done and dusted. With 8 – 1 being the final result another convincing win by the under 10’s Firegirls. Firegirl of the match this week was the twins Jolene and Deryn Spencer

Ottery firegirls Under 10’s Sun 11^th Dec

Firegirls 3 Totnes Town 0

On Sunday Ottery Firegirls under 10’s played Totnes at home in this Isca League match the girls turned out a full squad with the total commitment. This was the firegirls second league game and with the stories that had come to the girls about Totnes they were expecting a very hard game, and they were not surprised. Totnes did keep pushing forward but the firegirls matched everything Totnes through at them and then grew in strength to score the first goal through Jessica Jenkins with her determination taking her through. After the halftime break the firegirls were the team to watch with two more goals the first from Dee Spencer followed by her sister Jolene Spencer. Again it was an all round team performance with every girl doing their part and it is a joy to watch the enthusiasm of the whole squad this was the under 10’s first win but I am sure now that they have crossed this first hurdle there will be no stopping them. Firegirl of the match was Gemma Youlden

13/11/05

Exmouth Town 6 Firegirls 1

The Ottery Firegirls under 10’s played away to Exmouth town on Sunday in their first ever league match. They started well with confidence and enthusiasm but halfway through the first half Exmouth scored, the Firegirls fought back and scored a good goal through Jessica Jenkins to make it 1-1. After the halftime break there was a lot of end to end play with the Firegirls coming close on several occasions. With 10 minutes to go Exmouth scored two quick goals which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Firegirls and the floodgates opened and the final score was 6-1. the score flattered Exmouth as apart from the last ten minutes the Firegirls had the majority of the play but could not put the ball in the back of the net. The Firegirl of the match was Lara Feast who played in defence.

22/10/05

Sidmouth Strikers 3 Firegirls 1

The under 10’s Ottery Firegirls arrived at Sidmouth with an abundance of players it was like they had brought their own sunshine with the girls playing in bright orange. With the chants of Firegirls coming from the crowd the girls started well and full of enthusiasm but with a bigger and stronger Sidmouth Strikers side the Firegirls were soon under the cosh. The Strikers kept piling through but the Firegirls matched their attacks unfortunately on two occasions the strikers managed to get through and scored twice. After the break both teams were evenly matched. The Firegirls first pushing forward with strength and Jolene Spencer having a determined run managed to get a powerful shot in resulting in a goal back for the Firegirls, but again the Strikers came forward and scored to make the final score 3 – 1 Ottery did not have a girl of the match for this game as each and every member of the team played out of their Orange skins.

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