Devon Senior Cup
Beesands Rovers 3, Roselands 6
Beesands was the home of the only South Hams fixtures to beat the weather, albeit played in very squally conditions on the weekend of November 7 and 8.
Early on the Bees were harshly treated when a call for a penalty for a foul on Lee Morgan was not given. This was to prove to be a crucial decision in the match.
The conditions played a critical part in the first half where, at one time, it looked as though the half would end uneventfully.
Tim Bromfield and Luke Broad snuffed out Roselands attacks comfortably.
Towards the end of the first half an aimless kick by the Roselands ‘keeper was picked up by Finn Bullen.
Bullen saw the ‘keeper trying to get back in goal and advanced and struck a great shot that nestled in the top corner of the net for 1-0.
While the second half had similar weather conditions, the players seemed more comfortable with them and the play was very much end to end.
Danny Tucker showed great skill to juggle and keep control of the ball while surrounded by three Roselands players before stroking a pass forward for Bullen, who couldn’t make advantage.
With the Beesands defence apparently deceived by a cross, it was headed home for the equaliser, 1-1. Roselands were buoyed by the equaliser and, for a short spell, took control of the game.
However the Bees responded well and fought back to balance the play, with the game ending locked at 1-1.
The Cellars was graced with a capacity crowd as the first period of extra time produced activity that no one could have predicted.
Initially the Bees attacked, but again were unable to profit, and Roselands took advantage when their player jinked inside a couple of Bees players before letting fly to take the lead 1-2.
Immediately afterwards Roselands scored a free kick for 1-3.
Bees tried to fight back from this double blow but Bullen’s shot on the spin went wide before he was replaced by Kurt Thiele. From a Bees throw Roselands stole possession and shot home for 1-4.
Dave Harvey replaced brother Tom before Roselands went through again and hit it home for 1-5 just as the first period of extra time came to an end.
A foul on D Lang, in the area, gained a penalty despatched with some aplomb by Morgan for 2-5 as the second period started.
Bees closed the gap further when Thiele bundled the ball home from a corner to make the score 3-5.
With Broad having pushed further forward as ees looked to reduce the deficit, gaps were left at the back. A brave attempt by Hurt to deny an attack ended with Roseland’s stroking the ball home for a final score of 3-6.
The man-of-the-match award went to Luke Broad.
Beesands next match is tomorrow at home to Chudleigh Athletic, kick off at 2.30pm. All are welcome.