Loddiswell Athletic 3 Dartmouth Reserves 0
Saturday 13th March 2010 - SDL Division 1

Loddiswell deservedly gained revenge over their South Hams rivals after an earlier season defeat. Dartmouth, who have become something of a bogey side for Lodds in recent seasons, always provide a physical and vocal opposition. Going into the match Lodds knew they would have to match this, whilst showing more composure themselves when in front of the visitor’s goal.

With Anniss unavailable, skipper Luscombe partnered Hurrell in central defence with Merchant slotting in to Luscombe’s usual left back role. Despite the defensive changes the back four, including Harvey, adapted well and provided excellent protection for Drews in goal.

After a frantic start to the match Lodds took the lead when Robey’s run down the left resulted in Edmonds converting his cross with a textbook far post header that left the keeper with no chance. Fifteen minutes later and the roles were reversed when an Edmonds pass found Robey on the edge of the area. He instinctively turned and fired a powerful shot goal ward, which with the aid of a deflection evaded the keeper’s outstretched hand to increase the lead before half-time. Midway through the second half Hillard sealed the victory. After being fouled, he curled a powerful 25yard free-kick over the keeper and into the top right corner for an excellent individual goal.

The workrate and movement of Edmonds, Robey and Hammett never allowed the Darts defence to settle throughout the game and this allowed Maher, Hallett and Hillard to pick up loose clearances. Rob Tapper replaced Robey, who arguably gave his best performance since joining the Club, as the hosts looked to see out the remainder of the game.

Despite this not being one of Lodds’ most fluent footballing performances, they showed strong battling qualities whilst satisfyingly keeping a clean sheet for the second week running.