Millwey Rise were beaten 3-1 when they entertained high-flying Crediton United Reserves in a Macron League Division Five meeting, writes Dick Sturch.

Millweys defence were opened up in the second minute of this game when a Crediton forward put the ball in the net without a challenge being made!

The visitors were by far the stronger throughout most of the first half, but Millwey clung on to go into the break only one goal in arrears. Unfortunately, in the latter stages of the half, Nathan Wormsley sustained a hamstring injury.

He was replaced by Alex Rocket who made an immediate impact with some strong tackles and accurate distribution.

Millwey were again undone a few minutes into the second period as they were still trying to arrange a wall when Crediton scored from a quickly taken free-kick. This caused some controversy as the referee had not blown his whistle when the ball was struck, but the goal was allowed to stand.

The visitor’s final goal was from a cross met with a very strong header at the back post which gave keeper Hoole no chance. But from this point in Millwey continuously attacked the visitor’s goal and were certainly the superior team in the final quarter. They were rewarded in the 80th minute when in a crowded goalmouth scramble Matty Lewis stabbed the ball home.

For the ‘Rise’ Zak Meaker had a great game together with Hoole in goal and Shayne Featherstone and Sam Burke in midfield who never gave up the pursuit of victory.

Injured striker Levi Hoole was at the game and is hopeful of returning to the team before Christmas. This would certainly be a welcome step forward into the New Year.

Next up is a Saturday (November 26) trip into Exeter to take on Alphington thirds (2.15pm).

Latest Macron League Division Five table

P W D L F A Pts

Royal Oak 10 10 0 0 57 12 30

Crediton United 9 8 0 1 51 9 24

Whipton & Pinhoe 9 6 0 3 48 18 18

South Zeal United 11 5 1 5 29 38 16

Winchester 7 5 0 2 29 20 15

Millwey Rise 9 5 0 4 21 15 15

Feniton 9 4 0 5 17 25 12

Alphington 9 2 3 4 21 33 9

Starcross Generals 11 2 3 6 23 41 9

North Tawton 9 2 2 5 15 32 8

Awliscombe United 10 1 3 6 18 34 6

Newton St Cyres 11 1 3 7 16 53 6

Beer Albion 6 1 1 4 16 31 4