SDFL Division Two

Beesands Rovers 2,

Brixham Town 0

In a scrappy game from start to finish, although the scoreline suggests a comfortable win for Beesands, the result outweighed the performance.

With both sides sizing each other up, it took until the 18th minute for Beesands to create the first clear-cut chance when Mike Dennis' run and cross evaded everyone in the six-yard area.

Two minutes later they opened the scoring thanks to the bullish determination of full-back Dave Harvey .

Intercepting a pass on the halfway line, he crunched through two tackles before galloping down the right and crossing into the Brixham area, where the outstretched boot of Lee Morgan diverted the ball into the bottom corner.

Brixham were playing some neat passing in midfield but once in sight of goal, leapt blazing high and wide.

Just after the half hour, Beesands gave themselves some breathing space when Tim Bromfield powered home a superb header at the back post following a great delivery from a free-kick by Josh Pascoe.

On the stroke of half-time, home 'keeper Carl Hoare made a brave stop at the feet of a Brixham striker to protect Beesands' lead.

The loss of influential skipper Alex Browne through injury at half-time meant a Bees reshuffle and Brixham took advantage, taking a firm grip on the game. Hoare was called upon to make yet another fine save and resolute defending kept the visitors at bay.

For long periods Beesands struggled but in the last ten a series of corners and free kicks saw Beesands have half-chances.

The final whistle gave time to reflect on a rather disappointing performance, but with three points in the bag and a clean sheet, as Meat Loaf once sang; 'Two Out of Three Ain't Bad!'

The man-of-the-match was Carl Hoare.

This Saturday Beesands travel to Bovey Tracey for the quarter-final of the Division Two cup. Kick-off is 2pm.