Beer Albion 2nds’ recent run of good results came to an end when they went down 3-1 at University 4ths in the Devon and Exeter League Division 2, writes Dan Jeeves.

The wet soggy pitch and strong crosswind made playing conditions difficult. Nonetheless, the Fishermen played well and were unlucky not to have come away with a least a point.

Uni broke the deadlock early in the game when a ball was played in behind the Beer defence and was cut back for their winger to slot home. 

But Beer, with the wind at their backs, took the game to Uni and were soon rewarded for their efforts when a free kick was awarded to the left of the box.  Chris Long stepped up to whip the ball into the far corner.

Beer continued to press and went close to going ahead  on a few occasions. But the scoreline remained at 1-1 going into half time.

After the break, against the wind, the Fishermen were under pressure but their defence, well marshalled by Kieron Love, contained the Students comfortably for most of the half.

But with less than 10 minutes to go, University were awarded a dubious penalty for an apparent trip in the box, much to the bemusement of the Beer players. The spot kick was despatched to give Uni a 2-1 lead.

Richard Walker went close to equalising when his 12-yard effort sailed narrowly over the bar. But as the Fishermen drove forward for the equaliser, they were caught on the break by Uni, who notched a third goal to secure the victory. 

Despite the setback, there were still plenty of positives to take from the game with the team showing commitment and working hard to try and get a result. Kieron Love was awarded man of the match for a solid display at the back.