MATCH REPORT

EAST DEVON SENIOR CUP

SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER 2007

EXETER CIVIL SERVICE  0

v

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON   1

There was a great cup shock at Exeter Civil Service where Budleigh Salterton knocked out the Premier League high fliers. David Evans got the winning goal after only five minutes, after Carl Everest's through ball put Evans one on one with the keeper and he calmly slotted home. Then two minutes later Carl Lavis was forced off injured leaving Evans to drop back into midfield and Simon Rose coming on up front. After ten minutes of getting used to their new places Budleigh settled down and pressed forward. Karl Rickard nearly made it two as the home keeper dropped a testing cross at his feet, and his instinctive prod was just cleared off the line. Then keeper Noel Pond nearly got in on the act as his long goal kick hit the underside of the bar, bounced down and was cleared for a corner. From Scott Howarth's fine corner Craig Higham headed just over. The hosts had their first real effort on goal a minute from the break but Noel Pond saved well.

After the break Budleigh played some fast breaking football and at one point nearly scored a goal of the season winner. Ian Mortimore’s fine long cross was volleyed first time by the veteran Howarth and his twenty yard effort flew just wide. Evans, Everset and Rickard all had good chances to seal the win in the last twenty minutes and Rickard did have the ball in the net with five minutes remaining but his goal was ruled off side. Despite some late pressure Budleigh's defence of Bradshaw, Pallett, R Higham and C Higham were all outstanding, but man of the match went to the impressive Noel Pond who made keeping look easy all game. Next week Budleigh return to league action and yet again are away, to near neighbours Otterton.

Squad:
Pond, Bradshaw, Pallett, R Higham, C Higham, Howarth, Everest, Lavis(Rose), Mortimore(Thornhill), Evans, Rickard

Subs Not Used: White, Knight, Freer

Report by Alex Freer