Ilsington Villa 7 Loddiswell Reserves 2
Saturday 31st October 2009

Having turned up at their previous fixture the week before with only 12 players, the 2-1 victory of Kingskerswell & Chelston 3rds was taken as a morrale boosting pointer to the fact that Loddiswell's Reserve team have this year got a good depth in squad. However, 20 minutes in to their match against Ilsington Villa, and with the team back up to 'full strength', the Greens were left scratching their heads as they trailed by four goals to nil.

The first quarter of the game may have been different if Rob Tappers free kick had gone in off the post instead of back across the goal, or if another of his efforts hadn't been brilliant saved. But as Lodds looked to the get a foot hold in the game the impressive Ilsington just kept picking the visitors off.

When goal number five was conceded a double substitution was made by Loddiswell which saw Mark Stacey and Tim Rogers take to the pitch. This gave the side a little stability at the back and another avenue of attack up front. Loddiswell did finally add a goal to the score sheet when Chris Guard latched on to a Richard Teague clearance.

The second half was a slight improvement but it was again the home side that added to their total making it 7-1. Tim Stathers was brought on and he immediately brought some life to the dejected team. It was a move started by Stathers that not only was the best of the game but also resulted in Loddiswell's second goal. Stathers collecting the ball in midfield found Tapper on the right who in turn found Andy Edmonds, his tricky on the ball created the space needed to get in a cross which Chris Guard met at the near post to claim his second of the game.

The side have no game now for a couple of weeks but the all involved will have much to consider if they are to maintain their top three status in Division Four. The Reserves next game could be the Jail Ale Friday Night Match at the Devon headquarters in Newton Abbot on Friday 13th November.