Carlsberg South West peninsula division one West

Bere ALSTON UTD 1

LISKEARD 4

BERE Alston United’s opening game of the season started on Saturday at the recreation field to league winning favourites Liskeard Athletic.

Bere have been promoted from last season and were playing their first ever South West Peninsula game; the home side started nervously as Liskeard started strongly and dominated the first 20 minutes. Bere rode the storm well which then gave them confidence to grow into the game and start playing some decent football.

However, a sloppy pass from Alex Lowe gave Liskeard the opportunity to attack quickly and with the ball on the edge of the box the away player blasted an unstoppable strike into the top corner for the visitors to take a deserved 1-0 lead. This though did not deter Bere’s confidence and they went in search of an equaliser which came from Alex Lowe’s great run and finish to bring Bere level.

Chris Bray was unlucky not to score for United just before half time when his header narrowly went over the bar; the half-time whistle went soon after with the score line even.

The second half began with both teams standing firm with Liskeard unable to break down Bere’s solid defence of Dan Follett and the impressive Ryan Moorhead. The game was in the balance when Bere’s man of the match Aaron Rocky suffered a nasty blow to the head resulting in him needing hospital treatment – this shook Bere a little and they lost concentration only for Liskeard to take advantage and take the lead 2-1.

Bere’s work rate and effort was excellent all over the park with Chris Hutchins and 16 year-old youngster Luke Cressy chasing down everything. However, it was another youngster — 17 year-old keeper Michael Moor who was unfortunate to make two errors at the death and hand Liskeard a flattering 4-1 win.

Joint manager Mark Wheeler said: ‘Bere didn’t deserve such a heavy loss but there were so many positives and lots learned from our opening game and with six players missing from today’s squad we believe we will hold our own in this higher league.’

Bere Alston United chairman Will Westlake thanked all the supporters that came to watch the first game with 126 in attendance and hopes the support of the village team continues all season.

‘I’d like to thank all the committee, volunteers and sponsors for all their hard work, commitment and generosity in helping the 100 year old football club achieve South West Peninsula status for the first time in the club’s long running history.’