TAUNTON Vale held top-of-the-table Firebrands to a 1-1 draw in the premier division of the Davis Wood league.

The first half saw some careful hockey from both sides with neither keen to commit too much forward in fear of being left vulnerable defensively.

As the half progressed Vale pressed the Firebrands side higher up the pitch and a great piece of skill in midfield from Sam Nutt left Taunton with a man over.

One clinical pass from South African Ian Haley left a chance to open the scoring – but it went begging.

Meanwhile Firebrands short corner threat didn’t produce any goals thanks to some stout ‘keeping from Richard Potter.

The second half started with Vale becoming more dominant in possession and showing their superior fitness to considerable advantage.

A defensive lapse from the away side left a stray pass for Josh Hood to pounce on and a back-hand shot past the keeper gave Vale a well-deserved lead.

A second goal should have materialised with a two great chances falling to be converted.

A short corner flick from skipper David Gibson was well saved by the Welsh International keeper.

With five minutes remaining Firebrand’s star player Rufus McNaught-Barrington, created himself a yard of space and fired a terrific backhand past Potter leaving Vale little time to get their noses back in front.

With the game finishing 1-1, Vale were understandably frustrated. However with the side progressing extremely well, the future of the club remains very exciting.

Vale: Richard Potter, David Gibson (capt), Richard Edwards, Martin Johnson, Ewen Alexander, Oscar Harrington, Sam Nutt, Paul Hawkins, Ian Haley, Sam Young, Ross Hardwick, Will Abell, Josh Hood, Ed Carson.

VALE A travelled to Plymouth University with a weakened side and the students ran out comfortable winners 6-0 in the Conference South clash.

VALE B travelled to East Devon B with the bare 11 knowing they could be in for a challenging afternoon but pulled off a 3-2 win in South East 1.

Their early fears were exacerbated when as they played the first ten minutes with only ten players as George Hebditch managed a unique double of not only breaking down but going to the wrong ground as well.

Despite this drawback Vale started well, keeping the ball and attacking with intent.

After a number of penalty corners Vale took the lead when David House’s shot was deflected into the goal by an East Devon defender.

The game continued in the same manner with Vale comfortably dealing with any East Devon attacks without being able to convert a number of chances.

James Duder was then able to run 60 yards with the ball as the East Devon defence parted like the Red Sea.

He managed to beat two defenders and then placed the ball under the on-coming goalkeeper to double Vale’s lead.

With only a couple of minutes to go to half time Vale looked set to go in with a comfortable two goal lead.

But the self-destruct button was pushed as lax marking led to an East Devon breakaway and goalkeeper Martin Lawrence was beaten by a slight deflection.

Vale knew that the next goal could prove decisive and were determined to claim it.

After another penalty corner skipper Charlie Axon picked a bobbling ball and smartly finished into the corner, restoring the two goal lead.

Vale had a number of chances to extend their advantage but were unable to find the goal with House, Harry Riste and young debutant Luca Maxwell going close.

Vale endured a nervy last five minutes during which a controversial short corner was converted after a melee by East Devon, but Vale hung on for the victory and the three points to keep their six point lead at the top of the table.

VALE C lost 5-2 at home to Yeovil & Sherborne, also in South East 1.

VALE D regained some kudos following an early season 9-0 drubbing at the hands of North Devon A by holding them to a 2-2 draw at home in South East 2.

Keeper Stu Johnson boldly claimed before the match he’s never conceded more than four goals in his playing career, giving confidence to the team, while putting pressure on himself. Vale missed a penalty flick in the first half, and it wasn’t long before North Devon grabbed the first goal after a momentary lapse of concentration. This was rectified however when Val Semilien equalised.

Heading into the second period alll square, Vale’s heads were high, and they were playing some of the strongest and fluid hockey they’ve played this season. The defence were almost impenetrable but North Devon managed to sneak one past Johnson from the top of the D. But with 20 minutes left to play it was newcomer Blair Kirkland who scored an impressive goal on his debut for the team to earn the draw. Vale were elated with the result and look forward to facing West Dorset away in Bridport this weekend with a new-found confidence.