Waldon Athletic Reserves 3 Loddiswell Reserves 5
Saturday 21st November 2009 - FRED HEWINGS CUP 2nd ROUND

Having had a week or two off, a depleted Loddiswell Reserve squad travelled to Division Three Waldon Athletic Reserves hoping to give a good account of themselves whilst at the same time boosting fitness. However, a call that the first team’s match was now off meant that the Reserves could at least have some substitutes to call upon and the attitude towards the game slightly changed.

In horrendous conditions however, the home side playing with the wind and rain took early control as they looked to utilise the pace of their front runner. This tactic worked when their number 10 latched on to a wind assisted ball over the top to score the opening goal. With 20 minutes gone it was apparent that the Torquay side were going to use brute force to win possession but the Greens, having realised their opponent’s tactics, started to simply pass the ball around such challenges and slowly started to take control of the match.

Rob Tapper was starting to get some joy down the right wing as central midfielders Sean Raymont and Tim Stathers started putting intelligent balls beyond the back four for Tapper to run on to. Chances were being created but strikers Chris Guard and Andy Edmonds were finding the home ‘keeper in top form. Meanwhile at the other end the conditions were still allowing Waldon to attack on the break but the scoreline remained at 1-0 thanks to a brace of brilliant saves by Richard Teague.

The Loddiswell goal eventually came when good work by Stathers resulted in Rob Tapper breaking down the right to cross to the far post, this time the home ‘keeper could only palm his cross into the path of left winger Dan Hardy who slotted home for the equaliser. This was followed by more good attacking play by Lodds but on the stroke of half time it was Waldon who scored their second to go into the break in an undeserved lead.

The Second half saw the conditions go in the favour of the visitors, however their second goal was scored without the aid of the wind or the rain, again good work in midfield put through Rob Tapper who coolly curled the ball around the on coming ‘keeper. Moments later a Loddiswell throw on the left was again met by Rob Tapper making a run across the box from right midfield, controlling it, he turned and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box to make it 3-2.

More chances were created by the Greens but the killer goal proved illusive and unfortunately, having dealt brilliantly with the conditions and Waldon’s impressive No.10 for most of the half, the back four of Matt Luscombe, Phil George, Sam Elliott and Shaun Rowe, were left powerless when the afore mentioned striker found the bottom left corner from the edge of the box to draw the scores level again.

Tim Rogers and James Hillard were brought on to boost flagging legs and it proved an inspired change as both players added to the scoreline. Hillard with a 25 yard shot that the ‘keeper was unable to hold on to, followed by a ‘goal of the season’ contender from Rogers. Having collected the ball from a Teague goal kick just inside Waldon’s half, a step over gave Rogers time to turn, looking up and seeing the ‘keeper slightly off his line he then smashed in a shot that gave the Waldon goalkeeper no chance and the game was won 5-3.

The Reserves can now look forward to seeing whom they get in the next round and on this form who knows how far the cup run may go. Tomorrow they take on local rivals Malborough United, away 2.30 KO.