Millwey Rise were brushed aside by Kentisbeare when the pair met in Mid Devon to contest a Devon Intermediate Cup tie, writes Dick Sturch.

There was only one team that looked as though they wanted to win this game and in doing so, outplayed, and out muscled, a lethargic visiting side.

In Millwey`s defence there were several regular first team members missing through injury and being cup tied. That said, for most of the game Millwey were chasing shadows and reliant on long balls into Kentisbeare`s half in the hope that Sam Dibling, playing a lone striker role, would latch onto them, but, despite his best efforts, he was well shackled by Kentisbeare`s hard tackling defence.

The hosts created several good chances in the first half but a combination of bad misses and brave goalkeeping, by stand in Carl German, kept the score sheet blank until they eventually took the lead with a scrambled goal. It came as no surprise when they went two up just before half time. The second half saw more of the same. Kentisbeare increased their lead direct from a well struck free kick and their final goal came from a converted penalty harshly given against the unfortunate Stuart King.

Millwey had the opportunity to salvage some pride late on in the game when they too were awarded a spot kick which, like the rest of the afternoon, ended in failure with the home keeper saving it.

This is a game Millwey Rise will want to put behind them and move on. Hopefully, some lessons will be learnt. One glaring weakness is the lack of cohesion and bite in midfield. Until this is rectified it diminishes the ability to attack and keeps the defence under constant pressure.

There will be no respite for Millwey Rise 1st XI this week as they are away to Division One high scoring league leaders Barrington (2pm).

Millwey Rise 2nd XI`s game against Thorncombe was called off as Millwey were unable to raise a side. This week they play Merriott Dynamoes at Cloakham Lawns (2pm).