Loddiswell Reserves: Teague, Rowe, A.Tapper (Williams 10min), D.Stathers, S.Elliott, M.Edmonds, Tucker, Bateman, R.Tapper, A.Edmonds, Guard.
Non Playing Sub: B.Rogers

This tricky mid-week fixture turned into an epic when Loddiswell came back from a two nil deficit to take all three points with a late winner. Centre half Sam Elliot fired in a goal mouth scramble in the 89th minute that knocked the stuffing out of unruly Watcombe. Lodds keeper Richard Teague had to be ushered back to his goal as he joined the celebrations. Teague had kept the visitors in the match with the scores level at four each with a splendid reaction save as Watcombe searched for a winner but a late surge from the greens, who found themselves playing in tangerine due to a kit clash, proved decisive.

With the game only ten minutes in teenage full back Adam Tapper had to be replaced by Mike Williams when he aggravated an injury. Unfortunately for Williams he joined the game with his side trailing by two goals and under pressure.

Mark Edmonds beat Wanderers keeper Keith Stockton when he bent a free-kick into the top corner to throw the ‘tangerines’ a life line. Elliot then smashed in a leveller before centre forwards Andy Edmonds and Chris Guard made the come-back a turnaround with a goal apiece.

An early second half penalty put Watcombe back into the game and when Michael Fielding levelled the scores for his brace Lodds were left clinging to the prospect of a draw. Teague parried after Dan Stathers’ mis-judged a back pass and some resolute defending helped the South Hams outfit survive a succession of corners, one of which left Stathers spitting blood.

Mark Edmonds and Paul Tucker showed excellent composure at times for Loddiswell in the middle of what is arguably the worst pitch in the division but rather than see the game out for a well earned point they grabbed all three and in some style. Elliot sneaked in to attack a corner and with Watcombe unable to clear their lines he smashed the ball in for his brace and the winner.

This was just the result Loddiswell Reserves wanted before their Fred Hewing semi-final show down with promotion chasing Buckland Athletic 3rds. The Homers Heath club are undefeated in the league and are the division’s in-form side. Loddiswell will need to show the same sort of gritty determination that left Watcombe wandering if they are to book a place in the final.