South Devon division six

Stoke Fleming Reserves 3

Chagford Reserves 2

CHAGFORD'S sojourn as leaders lasted but a week, with this defeat and South Brent's trouncing of Marldon.

More importantly for the visitors, the manner of the defeat was the most disappointing aspect of the day.

Having much the better possession and attacking intent in the first half, Chagford failed to take what chances they did create.

Missing a couple of key players the team fielded a couple of youngsters up front, Rob Ballard and Jon Scarry, but they were well contained by a rigorous defence.

The early introduction of substitute James Licence, for Tim Bint, saw three 16 year-olds in the forward half of the team.

While their attack was largely dealt with, the hosts looked most threatening from set pieces and Saul Scarry was called upon to clear his lines more than once. Ballard had what appeared a decent penalty shout ignored as he was tripped by Daniels, in the act of shooting.

With the half closing, Will Cork headed over from Ralph's corner.

The second half was barely underway when another superb Ralph corner cannoned off two defenders and into Stoke's net.

Far from relieving Chagford worries, the goal led to the home side stepping up their game and the visitors suffered what must be their worst 30 minutes of the season. Firstly, Copeman rose well to nod in an equaliser from a great cross.

Collet and Brockner followed with two goals carved from glaring defensive errors and Stoke looked comfortably home and dry. Chagford fought back but found the home defence solid, but could also fault their own mis-control at times.

Jon Scarry pulled a goal back, 12 minutes from time, following up his saved shot to calmly lob Daniels in the home goal. From there, Chagford pressed and pressed, drawing more rigorous tackles from Stoke which went largely unpunished.

When Ballard was given a red card it knocked the stuffing out of his team-mates and brought an unsatisfactory end to a hard battle.