Herald cup first round

Chagford 4

Denbury Athletic 2

(after extra time)

DESPITE the six division gap between the sides, Chagford were made to battle for a place in the next round. A highly organised and determined Denbury gave their hosts some almighty scares before finally capitulating, late in extra-time.

Chagford opened brightly but failed to capitalise on their early oportunities. Eventually, the deadlock was broken when Botham's 14th minute, low free-kick was spilled and Rob Miller touched in the loose ball. Denbury came back strongly and keeper Scarry was forced into two excellent saves, in the space of seven minutes. The second, from Johnston's pressured back header, saving his captain's blushes. The half closed with each defence standing firm against some determined but errant forward play.

The second half was barely five minutes old when Scarry was adjudged to have blocked an attacker unfairly, far from his goal. Referee Distin ruled the offence was outside the area and gave a yellow card to the keeper.

Within two minutes, Davis doubled his side's lead and Chagford may have thought they were home and dry but Denbury's Matt Guy crashed home a 56th minute firebolt from distance past Scarry's left hand. This lifted the visitors and they continued to press forward, eventually being rewarded with another fine goal, this time an equaliser from Aaron Paget. For the remaining 20 minutes both teams strove for a winner with Miller's effort coming back off the bar being the best chance. Goals from Davis and Emanuel in extra time finally tipped the balance for Chagford to avoid a 'giant killing.'

l Chagford entertain Riviera Spurs this week, in a divisional cup match kicking off at 2pm.

Fred Hewings Cup round

Chagford Reserves 3

Newton Abbot thirds 6

THE first 21 minutes of this match were horrendous for the home side as they conceded three soft goals, against their division three opponents.

Chagford should be credited for battling their way back into contention, when they could have collapsed completely.

All too often Ballard, and others, were caught off-side through Newton playing a high line tactic. This led to some home side frustration, enabling the visitors to score a fourth before Haxton met Ralph's 40th minute corner, to head home.

Chagford came out for the second half looking more motivated and started to cause concern in all areas. Substitute Jon Scarry came on to score a fine goal, holding off his marker and firing home from 12 yards.

For a time Chagford spirits were lifted but their defense was still exposed, especially from set pieces. It was from two of these that Newton Abbot increased their tally, sandwiching a second Haxton goal.