Honiton Town 1, Tiverton Town 4 Honiton Town just didn’t show enough quality as they were knocked out of the cup by superior Tiverton Town Reserves, writes George Catcher.

The visiting team kept steady control with a level-headed performance.

Tiverton Town Reserves were able to break the dead-lock in the early stages of the tie due to sustained pressure and clever wing play by their left winger.

The winger got his rewards by working the keeper and winning a corner.

The set-piece led to a handball offence in the Honiton six-yard area by home striker Scott Phillips who was cautioned by the referee for the ‘offence’.

The spot kick was firmly despatched to give the Mid Devon side a 25th minute lead.

Although Honiton knew they had to step up their game, their high pressure approach did not pay off.

A quick-fire 30th minute counter-attack saw the visitors double their advantage.

At this stage, constructive vocal pointers from the Tiverton dugout seemed to make a real impact for, three minutes later a fleet-footed raid ended with a striker being hauled down by the home glovesman who was booked for his woes, and, from the resultant penalty, the lead became 3-0.

A fourth goal was scored eight minutes before the break to leave the home side with a mountain to climb!

Shipping four goals in just over ten minutes was certainly not in the Honiton game-plan!

There was still time before the break for another foul in the box and another spot kick, but this time the home glovesman made an inspired save and Town went into the interval just four goals in arrears.

Five minutes after the re-start Honiton gave their large band of supporters something to cheer with centre back Mark Bowles netting to make it 4-1.

Unfortunately, the goal didn’t prove to be enough, no matter how hard the home side battled. No one gave more of the Town cause than skipper Darren Witt who was very professional throughout, never losing hope and leading by example with consistent defensive headers.

Finally, special praise must also be afforded to Price and Scott Phillips, who chased everything and also dished up plenty of no-nonsense tackling.

This match report was submitted by George Catcher, a year 10 student at Honiton Community College.