Venn hat-trick as Millwey Rise win 9-goal thriller at Kentisbeare

With the Millwey Rise 1st X1 game called off by East Budleigh who were unable to raise a side the focus switched to the Reserves who were playing at Kentisbeare in the Geary Cup, writes Dick Sturch.

This was certainly one of those games which lived up to the footballing phrase: “A game of two halves!”

Millwey opened the scoring with Gary Venn firing them into the lead after just five minutes. With Millwey forwards running riot and after several near misses it came as no surprise when Venn further increased their lead. It was not until the 25th minute that Kentisbeare threatened the visitors goal with an effort which flew narrowly wide. Millwey again moved further ahead when Henry Mitchell forced the ball home from a golmouth scramble and, two minutes later James Rocket put them four up with a powerful strike from outside the area. With just two minutes to go before half-time Kentisbeare finally got on the score sheet.

After the break the game was a complete reversal of the first half as the home side scored three goals to draw level in the first ten minutes of the restart but, with the score at four apiece, and being in total command, they failed to add to this total. It was left to Millwey`s Gary Venn to complete his hat-trick and provide them with what turned out to be the winning goal 10 minutes from the end of a hugely entertaining game.

Jack Bennet was rock like in the middle of Millwey`s back four breaking up numerous Kentisbeare attacks and Gary Venn was a constant threat to their defence and well rewarded with his goals.

Next up (Saturday, September 12), Millwey first team travel to Pinhoe Reserves in Devon Intermediate Cup (2pm).

The Reserves have a swift re-match with Kentisbeare Reserves at Cloakham Lawns (3pm).