Sidmouth & Ottery ladies thirds against Sidmouth & Ottery 4 (orange tops). Photo by Terry Ife ref shsp 6441-03-13TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Caradon 7, Exe III 0

Exe III made a return to action after a long break over the festive period and ended well beaten, though they were able to take many positives from the contest.

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The hosts took the lead courtesy of a penalty flick and they added two more to hold a significant early advantage.

The pressure was unrelenting and only some fine goal keeping by Sarah Jones coupled with terrific defending by Anna Karakusevic, the latter playing sweeper for the first time, denied them further goals.

Becky Rutter had the thankless task of marking Cardon’s top goal scorer this season, a task she took to very well making lots of tackles and helping regain possessions. Caradon added a fourth to go into half-time with a commanding lead.

After the break Exe III began well putting together some excellent passes whilst they also had far better ball retention with Charlotte Howard and Megan Pearson linking well, putting pressure on the Caradon goal.

With Emma Hulme, Alice Barratt and Rosie Karakusevic energetic and industrious in midfield there was plenty for the Exe coaches to enthuse over.

However, the chances were not being turned into goals and, at the other end Caradon were clinical with the few second half chances that came their way.

A special mention must go to Lizzie Jane who, after being pushed, shoved and antagonised by her opponent, advised that it was unsporting to be so physical.

She played brilliantly and remained composed throughout the game.

Overall the score did not reflect the effort and commitment given by the entire team.