Millwey Rise first-team were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw by University of Exeter 7ths in their penultimate game of the season.

A great start by Millwey saw them force a corner whipped in by Matt Lewis and met by Ty Allen for an early opening goal. University increased their tempo and forced a corner from which they went close to equalising.

The play flowed from end to end but it was 'Rise' who came close when some clever inter-play saw a Sam Dibling effort go just wide. With pressure mounting, Millwey won a free kick on the edge of the box. This was whipped in low by Nathan Womersley and Dibling converted it with a clever flick for a 2-0 lead.

The visitors then posted their intent, only to see the ball hit the crossbar. This gave encouragement to the University who began to find holes in the 'Rise' midfield and were rewarded when they broke away and scored just on half-time.

The second period saw Ben Webb replaced by Luke Thurlow and the visitors playing with more belief in their ability. Thurlow made a quick impression on the game when he broke clear but his shot was just wide of the post. This was quickly followed by a Dibling header that scraped over the bar.

More missed chances followed, which were punished when University drew level and quickly added a third to move in front.

Joe Osborne came on for Bailey Hall as 'Rise' pushed to get back in the game. The equaliser came rather luckily, when a ball over the top was fumbled by the keeper allowing Dave Bridges to tap it in. At 3-3, there was all to play for and the luck was with 'Rise', as another shot clattered off their crossbar.

Then, Thurlow had the opportunity to get the winner but was unable to beat the ‘keeper. Jack Bennett replaced Bridges and shortly after 'Rise' won a free kick on the edge of the area. The resultant kick hit the wall and a follow up shot was straight into the ‘keeper’s hands.

A Millwey corner saw another missed opportunity as a free header sailed over the crossbar. Defenders at both ends were under pressure as each side created chances going for the winner. The game remained on a knife-edge and finished honours even but the feeling at Millwey was one of dropped points.

Flynn Smith had a great game in goal for ‘Rise’ and, but for his timely interceptions, the result could have been far worse.

Two days later, Millwey completed their campaign with a 6-3 defeat at home to Whipton & Pinhoe.  

A rather frenetic start saw Whipton go ahead after three minutes. From the kick off, 'Rise' were quickly on the attack and a great cross from Luke Thurlow met the head of Jack Bennett for the equaliser.

The game continued with both sides looking to gain the advantage with Rise just edging the exchanges, resulting in another corner and the cross fell to Bennett, whose header skimmed the bar.

Whipton kept up the pressure and came close when the ball come off the post. Undeterred, 'Rise' kept pushing forward and a great through ball saw Thurlow take the chance to make it 2-1. The goal spurred the visitors on and they got straight back into the game with an equaliser.

As the game continued end to end, with a couple of chances falling to Dave Bridges before the half came to an end.

The second period saw Whipton start brightly, testing young Flynn Smith in the 'Rise' goal before finally moving ahead when they scored number three. Millwey were not to be deterred and nearly came back into the game with Bridges forcing the visitor's ‘keeper to make a great save. This was followed by a controversial decision when another 'Rise' effort was adjudged not to have crossed the goal line.

A triple substitution saw Thurlow, Bennett  and Bridges replaced by Callum Farquhar, Sam Dibling and Ben Rosling. Millwey became victims of their own making when a defensive error was punished with a soft goal and a 4-2 deficit.

This spurred Whipton on and another break down the wing saw a good finish put them 2-5 ahead. Although the game was slipping away, 'Rise' kept going but Whipton had the upper hand and got goal number six.

With heavy legs and paying for missed chances, 'Rise' were finally awarded a penalty and 'sure fire' Nathan Womersley stepped up and calmly placed it past the Whipton ‘keeper to make the final score 3-6.