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Lympstone 3, Newtown 2

The postponement of the Newtown 1st team fixture left the Lympets facing a stronger than usual Exeter-based side, but they were good value for the three points in a well-contested Fresha League Division Three fixture.

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With the two teams separated by only goal difference in the table it was clear, on a heavy surface, that industry and endeavour would of greater importance than a pretty passing game!

The first half did not produce a goal as both sets of players battled to come to terms with the conditions.

After the break the hosts broke the deadlock when a superb through ball from midfield found Andy Lowe who used a combination of pace and strength to out pace a defender before tucking the ball away in the 55th minute.

Five minutes later a quick throw followed by a teasing cross from Chris Hooker was drilled home by Hayden Figures to double the home lead.

The visitors responded well and halved the deficit with a goal from close range following a goal mouth scramble.

Lympstone were quickly back onto the front foot and were twice denied further goals by a linesman’s flag.

The pressure eventually told and a Figures cross was turned home by Hooker to make it 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining.

There was less than a minute of normal time remaining when the visitors struck their second to set up a frenetic finish.

There were six long minutes of added time, but the Lympets back line stood firm and closed the game out very well.

The Man of the Match award had a number of candidates, but the honour went to Chris Hooker who celebrated recently becoming a father with affine all-round performance, an assist and the all-important third goal.

Lympstone boss Spike Delahaye said: “It was a deserved win with the key being that every player put a full shift, and then some, in for the cause. It was all made extra special that Chris (Hooker) could celebrate the arrival of his daughter with a goal and a very accomplished individual performance.”

Next up for the Lympets is Saturday’s East Devon derby at Ottery St Mary.